To the Point
The Texas Wildfires and Political Issues They Raise
A summer of drought has led to one of the most devastating wildfires in the history of Texas. Some 170 fires have erupted during the past week. The worst is in Bastrop County near Austin, where almost 800 homes have been destroyed, thousands have been evacuated and at least four people have died.
By Warren Olney • • 1 min readA summer of drought has led to one of the most devastating wildfires in the history of Texas. Some 170 fires have erupted during the past week. The worst is in Bastrop County near Austin, where almost 800 homes have been destroyed, thousands have been evacuated and at least four people have died. The White House says seven federal grants have been approved to help with the outbreaks. Erica Grieder, Austin-based correspondent for The Economist, updates the situation and discusses the political consequences for Texas governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry.
