Ashes Rain Down in East Texas [Video]

Wildfires breaking out all over East Texas yesterday were furious enough to evacuate folks from many areas.  Dozens had to leave their homes after raging  fires in Diana, Cass County, southern White Oak, north of Longview, near New London, Kilgore, Tatum, Waskom and points in between.

It was reminiscent of the fires that have destroyed thousands of acreage in other parts of  Texas.

Evacuees were housed at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview.  Authorities told residents to stay alert for any smoke or fire that may come too close, and suggested they get out immediately.

A 300-fire continued to burn and threaten oil wells and pipelines and causing mandatory evacuations for most of southern White Oak — between U.S. 80 and Texas 42, and Camp Switch, Mary Lawson and Merrills Lake roads.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for residents on Rusk County roads 476, 477 and 475 in the Price and New London areas, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Viki Penny said. “Right now, we’re just asking people to evacuate.”

KWKH listener Norma Starling told me she was worried in Avinger,  as fires were nearing her home.

In Kilgore, Lori Burns said she was packing important documents and family photos, just waiting for a firefighter to knock on her door and tell her to leave.

According to authorities,  many of these fires were caused by such things as chainsaw use, hay bailing, sparks from chains being dragged behind trailers, things along that line.

And,   others were electric and wind related with downed power lines from winds blowing trees over power lines.

Lack of rain and winds gusting to about 25 mph helped fuel the flames.

Gregg County residents who 've  lost property should  contact the sheriff’s office at (903) 236-8440 to make a report with the fire marshal.

Where I live in Carthage,  we were watching ashes fall like snowflakes.
Here's a YouTube video of the weekend wildlfires.