(CNN) Wildfires across the country had consumed more than 1 million acres by Tuesday night, taking at least 7 lives. 5 fire-related deaths in TexasThree ranchers trying to save their cattle died in a wildfire in Gray County, Texas, according to Sandi Martin, coordinator with Gray County Emergency Management. The three were among five people killed by wildfires in the Texas Panhandle as fires continue to scorch swaths of the Southwest and Great Plains. One person died in a fire in Lipscomb County, according to Sheriff Kenneth Eggleston -- and another fire-related death was reported in Ochiltree County. Greg Abbott activated state resources to combat the wildfires, according to a statement from his office.

Source: CNN March 07, 2017 19:57 UTC