Perry Asks Bush For Federal Aid In Wake Of Wildfires

AUSTIN (AP) – Gov. Rick Perry Saturday asked President Bush for federal aid after wildfires across the state this week burned about 70,000 acres.

Perry identified 184 Texas counties threatened or impacted by wildfires in a letter asking that Bush issue a presidential disaster declaration for the state.

The governor’s office said Saturday that 75 wildfires have destroyed 60 homes and structures. More than half the counties in the state have been under recent burn bans.

Perry also added 31 counties to his state disaster proclamation issued earlier this week. A presidential disaster declaration would make the state eligible for federal aid.

The governor’s office said more high winds and dry conditions favorable to wildfires are expected to continue through next week.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)