Texas: 8,000 acres and 2 homes burn
The Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office asked all 1,400 residents of Wheeler to evacuate on Saturday as an 8,000 acre fire moved toward the city. Firefighters were able to contain it near Highway 83 but two homes and a business west of Wheeler were consumed in the fire.
Wheeler’s Parkview Hospital was evacuated. A Wheeler County constable said the fire may have been caused by sparks off a power line.
UPDATE @ 3:40 P.M. MT, April 5
New reports include the information that 24 firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation after fighting Texas wildfires. All but four returned to work on Saturday. The fire is near Wheeler now reported to be 25% containted at 11,000 acres. Four homes were lost.
