A wildfire in the Texas panhandle has destroyed at least 100 homes and caused hundreds to flee the flames.

Fire officials say the fire began around 4 p.m. near Fritch, Texas.

The fire raged through the night and destroyed the homes despite the fact firefighters had the flames over 75% contained.  The fire has not hit the main part of Fritch but has left many homes in the area without power as the flames took out power lines.

The Texas Forestry Service has been flying aircraft over the site dropping flame retardant chemicals in an attempt to keep containing the fire.

Over 1,500 acres were confirmed to have been burned in the blaze whose origin is still not known by fire officials.  A spokesman with the Hutchinson County emergency services said that it could be days before people can return to their homes or check to see if their home survived the fire.

The Texas panhandle has been in emergency drought conditions for months.