Deadly Wildfires Rage Across Central Texas

One of the most devastating wildfire outbreaks in Texas history left more than 1,000 homes in ruins Tuesday and stretched the state's firefighting ranks to the limit, confronting Gov.

Rick Perry with a major disaster at home just as the GOP presidential contest heats up.

The two people found dead Tuesday were residents who remained in an evacuated neighborhood and were discovered by sheriff's deputies patrolling burned areas in Bastrop County, said Sissy Jones, a Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman.

“We’re evacuating well ahead of the fires, and unfortunately we just have residents who refuse to leave their homes,” Jones said.

One of the most devastating wildfire outbreaks in Texas history left more than 1,000 homes in ruins Tuesday and stretched the state's firefighting ranks to the limit, confronting Gov. Rick Perry with a major disaster at home just as the GOP presidential contest heats up.