At least 50 homes destroyed after wind-driven fires erupt in Texas
The most significant fire was about 80 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas, and was labeled the Eastland Complex Fire
Gusty winds fuel deadly Texas wildfires
Crews are still fighting to contain multiple wildfires in Texas. The fast-moving flames have scorched 45,000 acres, destroying 50 homes and prompting evacuations. FOX Weather’s Hunter Davis is live from Eastland, Texas.
Wind-driven brush fires forced hundreds of people from their homes and are being blamed for the death of an Eastland County Sheriff's deputy on Thursday in the Lone Star State.
The most significant fire was about 80 miles west of Fort Worth, Texas, and is being called the Eastland Complex Fire.
At last check, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire had burned around 48,000 acres and firefighters had difficulty controlling the flames because of erratic winds.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the blaze destroyed at least 50 homes and areas in Eastland, Brown and Comanche counties were the hardest hit.
Video taken by the Eastland County Today Newspaper staff showed several buildings in Ranger, Texas, on fire.
It's believed Eastland County Deputy Barbara Fenley was killed while trying to assist residents.
So far, the deputy's death is the only one announced by authorities as a result of the brush fires, but officials said they are looking the ruble in case there are additional victims.
Texas deputy killed in Eastland Complex Fire
An Eastland County, Texas deputy has been killed after attempting to save citizens from the blaze.
Winds are expected to remain gusty for parts of central and eastern Texas into Saturday.
HOW TO BEST PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WILDFIRES
National Weather Service meteorologists warn that the fire threat could return on Sunday and into the workweek, with low humidity values expected.
Winds are expected to remain elevated for parts of central and eastern Texas into the weekend.
(FOX Weather)