High Winds Contribute to Spread of Two Texoma Wildfires

Two wildfires burning in Texoma have grown significantly due to high winds, forcing evacuations and threatening homes.

The first fire, known as the "Elephant Butte Fire," started on Tuesday afternoon near the town of Electra, Texas. The fire quickly spread, fanned by winds gusting up to 50 mph. As of Wednesday morning, the fire had burned over 10,000 acres and was only 10% contained.

The second fire, known as the "Holliday Fire," started on Wednesday afternoon near the town of Holliday, Texas. The fire spread rapidly, driven by the same high winds that fueled the Elephant Butte Fire. As of Wednesday evening, the Holliday Fire had burned over 5,000 acres and was only 5% contained.

Both fires are threatening homes and have forced evacuations.

The Elephant Butte Fire has forced the evacuation of the town of Electra, as well as several rural communities in the surrounding area. The Holliday Fire has forced the evacuation of the town of Holliday, as well as several neighborhoods in the city of Wichita Falls.

Firefighters are battling both fires, but the high winds are making it difficult to contain them. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the area, meaning that conditions are ripe for wildfires to spread rapidly.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed about the fires and to be prepared to evacuate if necessary. More information about the fires, including evacuation information, can be found on the websites of the Texas A&M Forest Service and the National Interagency Fire Center.

Here are some tips to stay safe during a wildfire:

• Be aware of the fire danger in your area.
• Follow evacuation orders immediately.
• If you are caught in a wildfire, stay low to the ground and cover your face with a wet cloth.
• Do not try to fight the fire yourself.
• Listen to local authorities for updates on the fire.