US News
Fires continue in Texas, Oklahoma as dry weather predicted
By DPA
Jan 2, 2006, 19:00 GMT

Washington - Firefighters were active in the U.S. states of Texas and Oklahoma against a series of brush fires that continued to be fanned by strong west winds and extreme dryness on Monday.

Meteorologists predicted that the week would bring continued windy and dry conditions.

The situation in Eastland county, 200 kilometres west of the Texas city of Dallas, was especially critical, as flames spreading over an almost 40 kilometre stretch of field and bush threatened farmhouses.

According to local authorities, at least 20 new fires started in Texas alone on Sunday after a week of bush fires. Rescue workers Monday were moving from house to house in isolated communities in search of victims.

In Oklahoma, the state National Guard stood alongside fire departments to battle the blazes that, according to the daily Oklahoman, has so far destroyed around 100,000 hectares of land.

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry called the prevailing west winds a 'perfect storm' for the fires, which as of Monday were burning in at least 30 locations. Henry called on U.S. President George W. Bush for federal assistance in fighting the blazes.

Two people have died and 290 homes burned down in Oklahoma since the dry spell began in November, ABC said.

The fires contrasted with the floods and rains in California that have caused mudslides and extensive damage. Hundreds of Californians fled for emergency shelter New Year's Eve as heavy rain and flooding swamped Sacramento and other northern California towns.