Wildfires Spread Throughout Southern U.S.

Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency after numerous fires broke out across western and central Virgina. Officials report that few houses have been lost and no injuries.

The high winds had faded by Monday morning but officials in Virgina said some of the fires were still burning.

As of Monday morning, Bob Spieldenner, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, said, "We don't think there are more than 100 to 200 fires statewide."

State officials are to meet Monday morning to tally up property loss and damage as well as the number of acres affected by the remaining fires. Similar fires flared up in the Carolinas as well. Officials report that the fires started when winds sent power lines into contact with tinder-dry trees. The fires in North Carolina started in Hoke county and spread to Cumberland County. Wind gusts spread the fire quickly and burned about 40 acres in three hours. The fires took 11 fire departments and the state Forestry Service to get it under control.

The blaze came within about 20 yards of several homes, but none were damaged, said Salemburg Fire Captain Erick Herring.

As for South Carolina, a similar wildfire broke out and destroyed at least 10 homes according to state forestry officials. No deaths have been reported from the area.

Lewis Cooper, who evacuated his home near Conway, South Carolina, told The Associated Press he could feel the intense heat from half a mile away.

In Pickens County, South Carolina, some residents grabbed garden hoses to battle a fire that began to spread across the street by high winds. Firefighters said they were able to control the fire in that area due to the quick response of the residents.