2011 wildfire season worst in Texas history

The Associated Press

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — It's official: Last year's wildfire season was the worst in Texas history.

The Texas Forest Service on Thursday announced the 2011 season had come to an end. The agency says wildfires destroyed nearly 4 million acres and 4,000 homes and other structures, making it the most destructive season ever. Ten people died.

The agency says the season officially ended on Oct. 31. It started in mid-November 2010.

Two months ago, officials said the season could drag on until spring, because large blazes could ignite anywhere across the drought-stricken state. But fire officials on Thursday said rainfall in November turned out to be more widespread than expected.

The state's longest wildfire season was from April 2005 through September 2006, when blazes charred about 2 million acres and left 12 people dead.