"Wildfires Fed By 'Perfect' Conditions In Southwest"

"Wildfires fed off what were described as 'perfect' conditions for burning again on Monday across drought-stricken Texas and nearby states.

High temperatures, dry grass, gusting winds and dry air contributed to fires that began over the weekend in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico, said Patrick Slattery, a spokesman for the National Weather Service.

More than three quarters of Texas was under severe or extreme levels of drought, according to the Texas Forest Service. Hot, dry conditions and high winds meant any spark could ignite grassland."
 
Elliott Blackburn reports for Reuters April 5, 2011.