DROUGHT DRAGS ON AS TEXAS BURNS

Wildfires have destroyed about 40 homes in northern Texas and dry conditions threaten to cause more blazes."We are in extreme drought. We are hoping for some kind of tropical storm to hit us," Texas Forest Service spokeswoman April Saginor said on Thursday.The Palo Pinto County fire is 50% contained at about 2,630 hectares.Despite the heat and dry weather, firefighters say "(Thursday) is looking much better" than Wednesday, Saginor said."It sounds like they are making some good progress."Saginor said residents of three of the six subdivisions evacuated in the county were allowed to return to their homes Thursday.Meanwhile, 14 large wildfires covering 8,441 hectares continue to burn across the state.Nearly a dozen aircraft are assisting with firefighting efforts.