Wildfires driven by dry conditions and strong winds raged in Southern states on Thursday, leading to evacuations in Texas and the closure of part of a major highway in Florida during the busy spring break season. In the Sam Houston National Forest near Houston, a wildfire forced around 900 homes to be evacuated and schools to be closed. The fire, covering about 3.7 square miles (9.6 square kilometers), was only 20% contained on Thursday afternoon. Firefighters utilized water-carrying helicopters and bulldozers to combat the blaze.
Authorities suspected that the fire had been started by a controlled burn on private property that went awry. Investigations were ongoing to determine the cause and potential consequences. While there were reports of one home being destroyed, widespread damage and injuries had not been reported. In Florida, a large brush fire in the Keys resulted in the closure of roads due to smoky conditions and ongoing firefighting efforts. The fire, spanning approximately 34 square miles (88 square kilometers), was 20% contained.
In Arkansas, crews responded to numerous fires that were exacerbated by high winds, with several highways closed and structures damaged. The recent cold and dry conditions in the South, coupled with strong winds, have heightened fire risks. Red Flag warnings were issued for parts of Texas and South Florida, warning of conditions conducive to wildfires. Weather officials expected windy conditions and low humidity to persist, potentially extending the fire risk for several days.
The humidity level is at 18%, which will persist in dehydrating the vegetation. Reporting from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Frisaro and DeMillo reported from Little Rock, Arkansas.
