Multiple wildfires close Texas wildlife refuge

PORT ARTHUR, TX -- An official with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says multiple wildfires have closed a Texas wildlife refuge on the Gulf coast.

Park Ranger Tami Schutter on Friday says four separate fires have started at the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge in the past 12 days with two beginning in the past 48 hours.

Schutter says a lightning strike sparked the initial wildfire Aug. 8. While firefighters battled to suppress it another wildfire ignited after a series of storms passed through the area the next day.

Officials say about 15 firefighters from the wildlife agency and National Park Service are battling the active wildfires.

The refuge will be closed until further notice because of the potential hazards these fires pose.

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