I have driven across the Texas Panhandle numerous times, both east to west and north to south. It is an interesting region and has a beauty all its own. It is a very friendly region. Ranchers will wave at you from their tractor as you drive by. I love that part of the country, so I have been saddened lately to read of the tragic wildfires that have swept across the Panhandle within the last week and earlier fires across North-Central Texas and Oklahoma.
Since last weekend, four large fires killed 11 people and blackened 850,000 acres in the Panhandle alone. Nearly 4 million acres have burned across Texas this winter. A few days ago, one rancher who owned 11 thousand acres saw nearly every blade of grass on the entire ranch burn. 200 head of cattle were burned to death. He and his son almost lost their lives trying to escape because the wildfire was advancing NE at 40 mph. Utility poles were burned through at the base and were dangling from overhead wires. A large number of other cattle were seriously burned and had to be euthanised. There is a good chance of some showers and thunderstorms by Sunday night in the Panhandle. Further south numerous showers and thunderstorms will affect the Dallas-Ft. Worth area today through Sunday night dumping several inches of rain. That is a great blessing, but the overall drought has not ended.
Recent rain and snow in Arizona is only a temporary relief. The outlook for April, May and June is for more dry weather in the Southwest, Central and Southern Plains. I hate to think what the fire season will be through the summer. I am afraid it will be tragic.
-J.B. Elliott
Since last weekend, four large fires killed 11 people and blackened 850,000 acres in the Panhandle alone. Nearly 4 million acres have burned across Texas this winter. A few days ago, one rancher who owned 11 thousand acres saw nearly every blade of grass on the entire ranch burn. 200 head of cattle were burned to death. He and his son almost lost their lives trying to escape because the wildfire was advancing NE at 40 mph. Utility poles were burned through at the base and were dangling from overhead wires. A large number of other cattle were seriously burned and had to be euthanised. There is a good chance of some showers and thunderstorms by Sunday night in the Panhandle. Further south numerous showers and thunderstorms will affect the Dallas-Ft. Worth area today through Sunday night dumping several inches of rain. That is a great blessing, but the overall drought has not ended.
Recent rain and snow in Arizona is only a temporary relief. The outlook for April, May and June is for more dry weather in the Southwest, Central and Southern Plains. I hate to think what the fire season will be through the summer. I am afraid it will be tragic.
-J.B. Elliott
on March 17, 2006, 10:38 pm
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