Firefighters battle wild fires in Texas

Firefighters in the US state of Texas are battling to contain wildfires which have burned more than one million acres in the past fortnight.



Officials said a long-term drought, high temperatures and gusting winds have created ideal conditions for the fires to spread.



Several towns have been evacuated and flames are now close to Fort Worth, one of the state's largest cities.



The Texas Forest Service said nearly 200 homes have been destroyed.



Planes have been dropping water and fire retardant on the burning areas while firefighters have been dousing threatened homes.



Meanwhile, weather forecasters said there is a 30 per cent chance of rain in the region today, which could ease conditions.