Heavy Rain Welcome in Parts of North Texas
By BRETT JOHNSON
Updated 9:40 AM CST, Mon, Apr 13, 2009
The rain has been a welcome relief for people in the Montague County area where wildfires had raged since Thursday.
The fires were still a threat, until Saturday night.
"Thank God for the rain, thank God for the rain," said Robert Hoyle, a Bowie resident who was attending church in the tiny Montague County town of Sunset on Easter Sunday.
In Sunset, at least six homes were destroyed by the wildfires.
Dwight Hedger of the American Red Cross said the rain will allow exhausted emergency crews a chance for some much needed rest.
"It rained all night last night. It really helped the firefighters," said Hedger. "These guys needed a break. They've been out here since Thursday and it was just something that we needed."
On Thursday, wildfires fueled by high winds scorched more than 140-acres in and around Montague County. Three people were killed, including former WFAA-TV reporter Matt Quinn and his wife Cathy.
Meanwhile, assistance is arriving for fire victims like Greg Dunson.
"She lost everything," Dunson said of his mother whose mobile home burned to the ground.
"I think it's a little too late for that now (the rain)," said Dunson. "But I'm glad we did get it because that probably did help the fire department."
Knowing that the fires are over for now appears to have lifted a great burden off the community.
Pat Thorpe, a VOAD Chaplain, said, "I believe (the rain is) an answer to prayers and I believe we will see new life grow out of even a disaster like this."
The Texas Forest Service said wildfires have burned more than 172,000 acres around the state.
First Published: Apr 12, 2009 1:18 PM CST
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