Rhodes Fire Still Burns; Declared Disaster
By: Downing Bolls
Updated: March 2, 2009
The Rhodes Ranch fire is now about 85 percent contained, but it is by no means out.Firefighters have been busy today trying to get to stubborn hot spots that have been flaring up. In addition, the area covered by the fire is shaped in such a way that getting to each hot spot is difficult.
Today, Taylor County Judge George Newman declared a disaster in Taylor County due to the wildfires, drought and other weather conditions. The move is designed to make sure Taylor County gets included in any reibursement funds from the federal government to local firefighters.
Last week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the use of federal funds to help fight the fire that burned 700 acres near Clyde. FEMA will pay 75 percent of state and local costs related to the fighting of that fire.
A burn ban remains in effect for almost every Texas county. All use of fire out of dooers, including the use of cigarettes and other smoking materials is discouraged.
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