Texas Wildfire Stretches Across Hundreds of Acres
Source Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas
Jan. 17--High winds contributed to a wildfire that affected 681 acres west of Levelland on Monday afternoon, according to Hockley County authorities.
Chief Deputy Jeff Holder said the area north of Texas 114 between Santa Fe Street and Olympia Road was put out shortly after 4 p.m. by responding fire crews.
The stretch is nearly 2 miles in length.
He said he did not have the extent of the damage, although only grass burned.
The National Weather Service in Lubbock issued a wind advisory until 6 p.m. Monday, which can greatly affect wildfires in the area, said Jeff Vitale, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Vitale said winds between 31 and 39 mph were expected, blowing dust across the South Plains, which can cause low visibility.
He said winds as high as 56 mph were observed at the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport on Monday, the highest of the year.
Several flights have been delayed departing and arriving to Lubbock, according to the airport's website.
For a list of the airport's flight schedule, visit www.flyia.com.
High winds can also cause power outages, Vitale said, but no cases had been reported as of 4:15 p.m. Monday.
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