Hundreds of residents were evacuated in the Texas panhandle after a wildfire broke out in Hutchinson County, authorities said late Sunday.

Up to 100 homes have been lost and up to 1,200 homes are threatened, said Emergency Management Coordinator Danny Richards. He said 700-800 people had been evacuated.

Fritch Police Chief Monte Leggett said the fire covers hundreds of acres and has put the whole town at risk.

Texas wildfire forces evacuations

The fire started about late Sunday afternoon and was being driven by strong, shifting winds.

Department of Public Safety State Trooper Chris Ray said more people may have to be evacuated. They can go to the Fritch High School gym or a local church, he said.

"The wind may shift later, so be prepared to evacuate if something goes wrong," he said.

Nobody is allowed into Fritch, Leggett said Sunday night. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

(Source: CNN)