Wildfires fueled by dry weather and strong winds are spreading across parts of the southern United States, prompting evacuations in Texas and road closures in Florida and Arkansas. Officials remain on high alert as worsening conditions could escalate the crisis.
Texas: Evacuations and School Closures
A wildfire in the Sam Houston National Forest, near Houston, has forced around 900 households to evacuate and led to school closures. The fire, which started on Wednesday, has already scorched approximately 3.1 square miles (8 square kilometers) and was only 10% contained by Thursday morning, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
While no injuries or property damage have been reported, authorities have urged residents to remain away from their homes as weather conditions could worsen. The Cleveland Independent School District, which serves around 12,000 students, suspended classes due to safety concerns.
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough commended emergency responders for their efforts. “Firefighters and law enforcement did an incredible job yesterday protecting homes, animals, livestock, and people. It’s hard to believe we’ve lost basically nothing,” he said. However, Keough cautioned that increasing wind gusts and falling humidity levels could further intensify the blaze.
Florida: Highway Closures Disrupt Travel
In the Florida Keys, a large brush fire that ignited on Tuesday led to intermittent closures of U.S. Highway 1, the main route connecting the islands to the mainland. Fire crews shut down one of the two access roads to facilitate the movement of firefighting equipment.
The highway closure comes at a crucial time as Florida experiences peak spring break travel. U.S. 1 is vital for both tourists and local workers commuting to hotels and restaurants in Key Largo and surrounding areas. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as the state braces for another dry cold front that could exacerbate fire risks.
Arkansas: Over 50 Wildfires Reported
Arkansas is also battling widespread wildfires, with firefighters responding to more than 50 blazes on Wednesday alone. Strong winds have worsened the situation, leading to road closures, including a section of Interstate 530 near Little Rock due to heavy smoke.
The fires have caused structural damage in several cities, including North Little Rock, where flames led to the collapse of the roof of St. Joseph’s, a historic 115-year-old building that once served as an orphanage. The building currently houses a nonprofit focused on urban farming.
Drought and Winds Fuel the Fires
The ongoing wildfires are being driven by a combination of drought, dry vegetation, and strong winds. In Texas, fire risks extend from the northern Panhandle, where frozen vegetation has dried out, to coastal regions. South Florida has also seen little rainfall in recent weeks, further increasing the risk of wildfires.
Meteorologists warn that worsening conditions could lead to additional fires in the coming days. Authorities across all affected states continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to remain vigilant.
Sources By Agencies
