Authorities have responded to 7,807 fires across more than 1.5 million acres in all but two of Texas’ 254 counties since this year’s wildfire season began, Gov. Rick Perry wrote in a letter Saturday to President Obama. Perry is requesting the federal government declare Texas a disaster area and provide financial assistance. Local volunteer firefighters say they are strapped for cash because of budget shortfalls, but will continue to fight fires. Severe drought conditions here are expected to continue through at least June.