The largest wildfire in Texas history has burned more than 1.1 million acres in nearly a week as dry winds and high temperatures on Sunday fueled the blaze, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least two people in the state's Panhandle.
Several wildfires that sparked on Feb. 26 across the Texas Panhandle remained active on Sunday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. While a cold front is expected to move across the state's rural Panhandle early Monday, the National Weather Service in Amarillo said critical fire weather conditions will carry through Sunday as temperatures will peak — hitting the 70s to low 80s — in the evening in some areas.
Winds out of the southwest were predicted to gust up to 50 mph with humidity dropping below 15% and grass at very dry levels, according to the weather service. Authorities urged residents to avoid activities that could cause fires and the Texas A&M Forest Service said 65 counties currently have burn bans in place.