Deadly fires still out of control in Texas

Four people have been reported dead and more than 1,000 homes have been turned to ash and rubble across drought-stricken Texas as wildfires ravage the state. Governor Rick Perry has diverted from a presidential campaign trip in South Carolina to return home and organize firefighting and recovery efforts. 

AUSTIN, TX (Catholic Online) - Extremely dry conditions and the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee  are feeding multiple fires throughout the state. Near Austin, the state capitol,almost 600 homes have been destroyed.

While the storm is fanning the blaze with high winds from afar, it is too distant to drop rain and suppress the fire by dampening the dry brush it's consuming. Fortunately, as the storm moves slowly away, the winds are starting to diminish, which is encouraging the firefighters. 

Four lives have apparently been lost to the fires, sources reporting two pairs of victims. The first pair have been described as a mother and child, and others sources are only stating that an additional two victims have been recovered.

Officials have not released any specifics on the second pair. They also fear the death toll could rise further as more burned out homes are searched.
 
Meanwhile, thousands of people have been evacuated across the state and schools near the fire-stricken areas remained closed.
 
Texas Governor, Rick Perry is scheduled to participate in the Republican primary debate on Wednesday, but he has not said if he will remain in Texas or leave for the debate. Perry told reporters on Tuesday who asked about his attendance, "We'll deal with that when it comes up. I'm substantially more concerned about making sure Texans are being taken care of." Perry's campaign spokesman did reassure reporters that Governor Perry would still participate in the debate.

Governor Perry also criticized the fact that heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, has been sitting idle at Fort Hood. The assets belong to the military. Perry has also requested FEMA assistance.

His requests are notable because they appear to be at odds with his public political stance, which has been critical of federal spending. However, with fires raging and thousands affected, the political discussion will need to wait. 

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