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Amarillo Office
Lovell, Lovell, Newsom & Isern
112 West 8th Ave, Suite 1000
Amarillo, TX 79101-2314
Phone: (806) 373-1515
Fax: (806) 379-7176
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Sept 2011 Wildfire News Page
September 29, 2011
Amarillo Again Threatened By Wildfire
Many residents in Amarillo are breathing a sigh of relief as officials have controlled a wildfire which broke out yesterday near the E. Farm to Market Road 1912. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire but witnesses say the wildfire just exploded. The wildfire raced SW due to winds gusting at close to 36 mph. Luckily firefighters were able to control the wildfire before it got out of control it was brought under control around 3:30.
Friday Predicted As A Dangerous Day For Wildfires
Officials are predicting Friday will be a day of concern for all fire departments throughout Texas as critical wildfire conditions will be present for most of the day. It is predicted that warm dry air and gusty winds will be expected making that and the drought a concern for wildfires. Officials are warning citizens to be aware and if asked to evacuate to be prepared to do so immediately. Since the wildfire season began over 3.8 million acres have been burned.
September 28, 2011
Utility Company Sued Over Massive Wildfire
The Texas Forest Service investigation into the Bastrop County Wildfire has determined the wildfires were started after wind caused tree limbs to topple onto power lines owned by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. A lawsuit recently filed is blaming the wildfire on the company and seeking compensation for the damage which left 1500 acres burned and two people dead. The company however claims the dead trees and trim branches were on private property.
September 25, 2011
Firefighters Preparing For Worst Due To High Winds
Officials in many Central Texas cities were on high alerts this weekend as high temperatures along with strong winds combined for a red flag warning through much of the Central Texas area. Labor Day was the last time a warning was issued and the result were the massive Bastrop County Wildfires which consumed thousands of acres and killed two people. Winds were reaching close to 30 mph in Austin as officials only responded to two small fires. High temperatures are expected to remain the rest of the week.
September 21, 2011
Amarillo Welcomes Cooler Temperatures As Record Summer Goes Into the Books
People all over Amarillo have been enjoying much cooler temperatures in the month of September as Thursday marked the last official day of summer, ending one of the hottest summers in the history of Amarillo. Some of the records broken this summer were an all time high temperature of 111 degrees which was set June 26, Amarillo record for most 100 degree days in a year 50, most 90 degree days in a year 110 and most consecutive 90 degree days 50.
Not only has the heat been a bit of concern but the number of wildfires also has been staggering since the Panhandle has responded to over 505 fires this season with over 53,000 acres being burned. Needless to say everyone is welcoming fall with open arms.
September 19, 2011
Wildfire Losses In Texas Could Reach Over 200 Million
According to Texas A&M the agricultural losses from the wildfires in Texas this year could reach well over 200 million. Officials estimate the losses will include fences and building, lost value of grazing, lost livestock and stumpage value of destroyed timber. This losses don't include broad nonagricultural loses which are estimated at more than 5 billion dollars. Officials believe the estimated loss will increase as information continues to pour in throughout the state.
September 16, 2011
Volunteer Firefighters Fighting Wildfires With Old Equipment
As Texas continues to fight the wildfires which seem to be springing up daily those on the front-line are faced with a bigger challenge, using old and outdated equipment. Volunteer firefighters are using old firefighting gear handed down and outdated as well as some without gear at all. Volunteer firefighters which were fighting the Cass County wildfire were told their gear isn't sufficient and actually had to borrow equipment. Officials continue to worry with the recent budget cuts on how they will be able to provide enough equipment to supply all the volunteer firefighters.
According to Appraisal Company Land Ravaged By Wildfires Could Lose Half Its Value
Millions of acres have been blackened by the wildfires ravaging the Texas country side and now the news is even worse. According to Lewis Realty Advisors the land blackened by the wildfires could suffer around 50 to 60 % reduction in value with full value not being restored for many years. The full value of the loss for the property won't be determined until some of the burned properties are sold to establish market value. With a reduction of value, many small banks may be forced to foreclose to maintain their capital funding requirements.
September 15, 2011
Texas Government Approves Additional Funding For Volunteer Fire Departments
As Texas is facing unprecedented wildfires this season the Texas government is doing its best to help. Governor Perry along with others is the Texas government are requesting immediate distribution of 27 million for the rural firefighter assistance program and have made another 5 million available to help pay for equipment and other expenses according to a news release by the Texas Forest Service. The funds will be spread around the Texas Forest Service and prioritized for the volunteer fire departments hit the hardest by this wildfire season.
Texas Wildfire Plan May Be Only Half Funded
Many are concerned that the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan which was introduced in 1999 and began in 2008 many be only half funded. The program was created to make Texas more self sufficient as wildfires spring up. Currently Texas must compete with other states for aircraft, firefighters and equipment. According to the associated press since the plan was introduced in 2008, it is only half funded.
Firefighters Battling Major Wildfires In Central Texas
Firefighters are battling a half dozen wildfires as conditions continue to get worse as officials struggle to control the wildfires. The wildfires in central Texas are spreading rapidly, the largest of which is on the south side of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. A red flag warning is in effect for most of central Texas as of Wednesday.
September 11, 2011
Bastrop Texas Wildfire Destroys 1,500 Homes
According to officials as of Sunday, the number of homes which have been destroyed by the massive wildfires have risen to over 1,500. Seventeen people are unaccounted for and are missing as officials continue to search through the remains of one of the most costly wildfires in the state of Texas. The Bastrop County wildfire has consumed more than 34,000 acres to date. Friday the federal government declared Texas a disaster area, helping the victims get financial assistance. Officials now say the wildfire is about 50 % contained.
September 09, 2011
Wildfires Continue To Rage Out Of Control As Texas Forest Service Cuts Funding
As firefighters continue to risk their lives battling wildfires all through the state of Texas, lawmakers are also coming under fire. Many may not know but Texas is one state which relies primarily on volunteer fire departments to protect many of the rural areas. The Texas Forest Service which receives funding from the legislature has had its budget reduced from 117 million to 83 million according to the Texas Forest Service associate finance director. The problem with the budget cuts is funding in the times of emergency usually ends up blowing the budget, and may believe is counter-productive. The Texas Forest Service as of August 31 has already spent 182.5 million beyond what was budgeted. The forest service has warned lawmakers that under-funding in the end will cost more money to the state in the long run.
September 08, 2011
Bastrop County Wildfire 30% Contained
Firefighters continue to fight the wildfire near Bastrop County, Texas which has destroyed over 1,400 homes. Officials believe that they are starting to gain control of the wind-fueled wildfire. According to officials the wildfire has caused the death of four people and caused damage to thousands of acres. The Bastrop County Wildfire which is close to Austin Texas is believed to be the most damaging of the 180 wildfires which have erupted this week.
September 06, 2011
Bastrop County Wildfire Remains Uncontrolled
Officials in Bastrop County, near Austin, are hoping less wind will help firefighters battle the massive unchecked wildfire which has destroyed over 500 homes and forced more residents to evacuate. According to officials with the Texas Forest Service, the wildfire has consumed over 25,000 acres on Monday alone. The wildfire is far enough from Austin that the city is not threatened according to the Texas Forest Service. Since the wildfire season has began there has been over 21,000 wildfires in Texas.
September 04, 2011
East Texas Wildfire Kills Two
Officials confirmed that a 20 year old mother and her 18 month old daughter died Sunday as a fast moving wildfire burned through their home before they could get out, said the Gregg County Sheriff. This wildfire was one of dozens which have burned uncontrollable across East Texas. The combination of the hot dry weather and high winds continues to be a volatile recipe for wildfires.
September 02, 2011
Firefighters Continue To Battle Wildfire Near Possum Kingdom Lake
Firefighters continue to battle the wildfire in Northern Texas which has destroyed many homes and scorched over 6,200 acres as of Thursday. The wildfire is burning near Possum Kingdom Lake near Brad which is about 100 miles West of Dallas. According to a spokesmen for the Texas Forest Service the wildfire is about 50 % contained. In the past seven days alone the Texas Forest Service has responded to 224 wildfires burning over 31,000 acres.
September 01, 2011
Governor Perry Urges Caution Over Holiday Weekend
Governor Perry is urging caution over the holiday weekend as wildfire conditions continue to exist. Since the beginning of the wildfire season firefighters in Texas have responded to more than 20,000 fires which have destroyed more than 700 homes and burned over 3.5 million acres. Governor Perry has renewed his emergency disaster proclamation for all 254 counties.