The largest wildfire in Texas history has scorched more than a million acres, an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.
What we know so far
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service incident viewer map, the Smokehouse Creek fire has been burning since Monday and is only 3% contained. No information has been released on what ignited the fires that have ravaged the Texas panhandle and parts of Oklahoma.
The projected “strong winds and dry fuels” this weekend will increase the Plains region’s wildfire activity potential, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Fort Worth Fire Department sent 15 firefighters, two brush trucks and three apparatuses to assist in containment efforts. Craig Trojacek, public information officer for the Fort Worth Fire Department, said its firefighters expect to be in the Panhandle for “about two weeks.”
15 #FWFD firefighters have deployed to the #SmokehouseCreekFire in Hutchinson County (in the Texas Panhandle). Currently, there are 500,000 acres burning with 0% containment.
8 firefighters deployed with (TIFMAS), 5 deployed with TXTF 1 & 2 deployed with TXTF 2. [1/3] pic.twitter.com/kDNjqHOk7y
— Fort Worth Fire Department (@FortWorthFire) February 28, 2024
The Associated Press reported that the remains of Joyce Blankenship, 83, were found inside her home. Her family told NBC News they weren’t able to reach her home because of the flames.
KFDA-TV later reported Cindy Owen of Amarillo died in Pampa. She was burned after leaving her vehicle when it got stuck on the road and was surrounded by flames, according to the report.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 Texas counties in the path of the flames.
How to help
The Texas A&M Forest Service is urging people to “use extreme caution when using fireworks or any other outdoor activity.”
More information and updates on the panhandle fires can be found on their website and Facebook.
People can help those impacted by the wildfires by donating on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension site.
