Wildfires popping up across Texas due to strong winds and dry conditions
Strong winds and dry conditions are fueling wildfires and increasing threats across Texas.
Climate researchers have said the ingredients are in place for a wildfire threat North Texas hasn't seen in at least 10 years.
Several wildfires remain active in the state, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Active Wildfires (updated 11 p.m. Saturday):
- Windmill Fire, Roberts County, northeast of Amarillo – 23,000 acres and 65% contained
- Crabapple Fire, Gillespie County, north of Fredricksburg – 8,640 acres and 0% contained
- Rest Area Fire, Gray County, east of Amarillo – 7,931 acres and 50% contained
- Cottonwood Creek Fire, San Saba County, south of Brownwood – 633.2 acres and 95% contained
- Duval 1256 Fire, Duval County, east of Nuevo Laredo – 58 acres and 75% contained
- Lake Pasture Fire, Refugio County, south of Victoria – 300 acres and 90% contained
- Chicken Strip Fire, Real County, north of Uvalde -- 20 acres and 50% contained
- Saddle Fire, Bandera County, south of Kerrville – 17 acres and 95% contained
- Hargill Reservoir Fire, Hidalgo County, northwest of Brownsville – 13 acres and 95% contained
The Texas A&M Forest Service continues to provide updates on its website.
The fire threat in North Texas remains elevated to critical on Saturday as very low humidity persists with gusty winds.
"Winds will die down overnight," CBS News Texas meteorologist Jeff Ray said Saturday. "We are right back to fire weather danger by Monday; extreme fire risk returns for Tuesday and Wednesday with strong winds."
According to CBS News Texas meteorologist McKenna King, "Avoiding activities that may cause a spark is crucial, as well as refraining from outdoor burning and never discarding cigarette butts out the window."
