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Lubbock, Texas – Any spark along I-27 or Loop 289 could spread fast between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday as dry air and gusty winds create rapid wildfire growth conditions across the southwestern Texas Panhandle. Drivers hauling trailers, working ranch land or pulling onto dry grass shoulders face an elevated ignition risk during the peak heating hours of the afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect through 7 p.m. Tuesday for the far southwestern Texas Panhandle. West winds will increase to 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, while relative humidity drops as low as 8 percent. That combination of wind and extremely dry air can allow any fire start to spread quickly and become difficult to contain…