Lubbock Fire Rescue was activated as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System to assist in fighting wildfires currently affecting parts of Texas.
Authorities say they are up to 70 percent containment on a massive Central Texas wildfire that has consumed more than 34,000 acres and over 1,500 homes. But they also are worried that stiff winds with gusts up to 25 miles per hour this afternoon and later in the week could cause flare-ups.
James Douglass, acting state executive director for Texas FSA elaborated, saying “Mother Nature has not been kind to Texas farmers and ranchers in 2011."
Senator John McCain has been criticized for claiming that some of the wildfires in Arizona have been started by illegal immigrants. According to the Texas Forest Service, as far as the Texas wildfires go, he's right.
Should Lubbock County Commissioners ban the sale and use of fireworks until we get more rain? Should the City of Lubbock still have a fireworks show? Let us know in today's LFN Poll of the Day!
It was announced earlier this week that President Barack Obama would be making two stops in Texas next week. My first thought? He's coming to see first hand the damage done by the wildfires. I was wrong. Read more for information on his visit and my thoughts on the wildfires after the jump.
If you are an agricultural producer who has lost livestock and feed in the recent wildfires, you can apply for benefits through several programs provided by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Read more for details.