Texas governor calls for prayers for rain amid fires

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1 of 4. Texas Governor Rick Perry makes remarks at the Conservative Political Action conference (CPAC) in Washington, February 11, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

By Elliott Blackburn

AUSTIN, Texas | Thu Apr 21, 2011 5:34pm EDT

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Texas Governor Rick Perry called on Texans to pray for rain as cooler temperatures on Thursday helped firefighters contain wildfires that have charred more than 1.5 million acres across the state.

Perry, a Republican, sought increased federal help in combating the blazes last weekend and urged Texans to ask the same from a higher power over the Easter holiday weekend.

"Throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer," Perry said in a statement.

"It is fitting that Texans should join together in prayer to humbly seek an end to this ongoing drought and these devastating wildfires."

A wave of moisture and cooler weather had already helped the roughly 1,800 firefighters and support crews contain nine fires and make headway against many more by Thursday morning.

But conditions fueling the fast-moving wildfires that killed two volunteer firefighters and destroyed 200 homes this month would not ease for good, officials warned.

(Editing by Corrie MacLaggan and Jerry Norton)
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Comments (139)
bee1gee wrote:
Bad situation for sure. I am all for private prayers or whatever else that can inspire the weather to go wet over Texas but when the governor asks for it in his official capacity, the state is acting like the church.

Apr 21, 2011 5:40pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
msbav8r wrote:
A clear violation of the 1st Amendment.

The saddest part is an adult, telling other adults, that mumbling nonsensical verses under your breath actually does something.

It’s 2011, lets ditch the primitive superstitions already.

Apr 21, 2011 6:52pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
k6614 wrote:
Saying a prayer for all of the people and animals affected by the fires in Texas tonight. Our thoughts are with you.

Apr 21, 2011 7:39pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
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