U.S- More wildfires erupt in Texas as it faces worst dry spell since 1895

More wildfires erupt in Texas as it faces worst dry spell since 1895

In all, Texas has experienced 179 fires over 170,686 acres the past week, the service said. The past 10 months have been the driest in Texas since 1895, Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said.

The destruction toll prompted President Barack Obama on Friday night to declare that a major disaster exists in Texas.

Firefighters reported gains, however, in battling the most damaging of the disasters Saturday: containment of the 34,068-acre Bastrop County Complex fire near Austin was improved to 50% from 30%, officials said.

Added Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald at a Saturday press conference: "This time is trying, but we're going to make it through."