Texas struggles to contain wildfires as wind threatens to further their spread

By VALERIE GONZALEZ
Associated Press

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The National Weather Service is warning of an elevated fire risk through Monday in areas of the northern Texas Panhandle where large wildfires are burning. Strong winds spread flames over the weekend and led to the evacuation of the small town of Sanford. A cluster of fires has burned across more than 1,900 square miles in rural areas around Amarillo. The largest fire was 15% contained as of Sunday afternoon. Two other fires were at least 60% contained. Strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm weather fed the blazes. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the federal government has devoted funds, equipment and personnel.