More on Texas/Oklahome Wildfires

To say it has been a warm, dry winter would be an understatement and according the National Weather Service this was nearly inevitable.

Severe drought, wind gusts of 40 mph and temperatures reaching the low 80s earlier this week set the stage for the fires in Texas and Oklahoma, which authorities believe were mostly set by people ignoring fire bans and burning trash, shooting fireworks or throwing out cigarettes. At least 73 blazes were reported in Texas over two days, and dozens more broke out in Oklahoma.

While the wind and high temperatures eased after the outbreak of fires Tuesday, the SEARCH
National Weather Service predicted a return of the hazardous conditions on Saturday — prompting fears that New Year's fireworks could spark another round of fires.

With New Years coming up, North Texas and parts of Oklahoma are still very at risk.

While the wind and high temperatures eased after the outbreak of fires Tuesday, the National Weather Service predicted a return of hazardous conditions on Saturday — prompting fears that New Year's fireworks could spark another round of fires.

"It's not going to be a good day to throw up fireworks," meteorologist Alan Moller said. "This could lead to some really nasty fires."

There is a bit of confusion of the total amount of damage done, but this round is out and under control.

Remnants of several of the burned-out houses still smoldered Wednesday evening, blanketing the air with a smoky haze and burning odor. Texas Gov. Rick Perry planned to survey the Cross Plains damage by air Thursday.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management had said there were four deaths in the state, but Perry spokeswoman Kathy Walt said Thursday those figures were wrong and there were only three.

The grass fires destroyed more than 100 buildings across Texas, including 78 homes, the state emergency management agency said. About 50 homes were destroyed in Oklahoma, authorities said.

Among the Oklahoma fires was one in Seminole County that burned more than 9,000 acres and 50 homes, said Herbert Gunter, the county's emergency management director.

This year has been the fifth-driest year on record for north and central Texas, where most of the fires happened. The annual rainfall in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is about 16 inches less than the average of about 35 inches. Oklahoma has received about 24 inches of rain this year, about 12 inches less than normal.