DALLAS, June 19 (UPI) -- A wildfire raging in East Texas was up to 14,000 acres Sunday and officials warned that the entire region was at risk for further outbreaks.
The National Weather Service Sunday raised red-flag warnings over much of Texas as well as nearly all of New Mexico and Arizona due to rising winds and temperatures and falling humidity.
"It is important for East Texans to recognize the critical fire conditions we are experiencing," Karen Stafford, a regional coordinator for Texas Forest Service, said in a written statement. "There is high probability of ignition if a spark occurs."
The Bearing fire that broke out Friday near Lufkin roared to 14,000 acres and was only 20 percent contained Sunday afternoon. The Houston Chronicle said voluntary and mandatory evacuations were in effect and two homes had been burned.
KDFW-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth said a fire in Glenn Heights Saturday quickly scorched 180 acres, triggered the evacuation of 200 homes, and closed Interstate 35 for a time.
