Five fires engulf Panhandle, scorching 620,000 acres with no sign of slowing
Brandi D. Addison | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | February 28, 2024

https://www.statesman.com/story/weather/severe/2024/02/28/five-fires-engulf-panhandle-scorching-380000-acres-with-no-sign-of-slowing/72772440007/

Five wildfires are still ranging in the Panhandle as of Wednesday morning, scorching more than 620,000 acres.

The largest among them, Smokehouse Creek in Stinnett, has burned more than 500,000 acres, equivalent to about 800 square miles, making it the second-largest wildfire in state history.

The fire has rapidly expanded from 100,000 acres in less than 24 hours and remains at zero percent containment, as reported by the Texas A&M Forest Service. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Gov. Abbott declares state of disaster

In response to this disaster, numerous counties and municipalities have enforced mandatory evacuations for tens of thousands of residents, in addition to school closures. The emergency also prompted Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of disaster in 60 counties.

“I issued a disaster declaration today to ensure critical fire response resources are swiftly deployed to areas in the Texas Panhandle being impacted by devastating wildfires,” Abbott said in a release. “The State of Texas stands ready to provide support to our local partners and deploy all resources needed to protect our fellow Texans and their property. Hot and dry conditions caused by high temperatures and windy conditions are expected to continue in the region in the coming days. These conditions could increase the potential for these wildfires to grow larger and more dangerous.

"Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe. I also want to thank the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect their fellow Texans," he added.

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Here are the locations, size and containment of the fires:

• Smokehouse Creek Fire — Hutchinson County, 500,000 acres, 0% containment
• 687 Reamer Fire — Hutchinson Country, 2,000 acres, 10% containment
• Windy Deuce Fire — Moore County, 80,000 acres, 25% containment
• Grape Vine Creek Fire — Gray County, 30,000 acres, 60% containment
• Magenta Fire — Oldham County, 2,000 acres, 40% containment

• The City of Borger is seeking donations for snacks, non-perishable foods, hygiene items, diapers, wipes, formula, 1st aid supplies, pet supplies and blankets.
• American Red Cross has opened shelters at the Johnson Youth Center in Borger, 1201 Bulldog Blvd., and the Wheeler Activity Center in Wellington, 501 Corsicana Street.
• A group on Facebook called Panhandle Wildfire Recovery & Resources is offering help to residents amid the ongoing wildfires. Members are offering support for livestock shelter, monetary donations and more.
• The Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department is seeking donations for Gatorade, Propel water, energy drinks, hydration powders, eye wash, facial wipes, chap stick, pain relievers, window cleaner and snacks, including jerky, nuts, crackers and protein bars. Monetary donations can be sent via Venmo at wheeler-volfiredept.

• Pantex FCU
• Amarillo National Bank/Borger Bank
• Red Cross
• Amarillo Area Foundation
• Fritch Volunteer Fire Department
• Stinnett Volunteer Fire Department

Menacing Panhandle wildfire erupts to an estimated 850,000 acres
Authorities warn damage to communities from the Smokehouse Creek fire could be extensive; No injuries or deaths have been reported
By Jim Vertuno | The Associated Press • 2/28/2024

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/wildfire-grows-into-2nd-largest-in-texas-history-and-briefly-shuts-down-nuclear-weapons-facility/3473513/

What to know about Texas wildfires

1. The Smokehouse Creek fire ignited in the Panhandle on Monday in rough terrain and unfavorable weather conditions.
2. There are no reports of any injuries or deaths; Officials warn of potentially large property losses.
3. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties.

A fast-moving wildfire burning through the Texas Panhandle is threatening to become the largest blaze in state history after churning through an estimated 850,000 acres in two days, forcing evacuations and triggering power outages as firefighters struggled to contain the widening swath of flames.

A fast-moving wildfire burning through the Texas Panhandle is threatening to become the largest blaze in state history after churning through an estimated 850,000 acres in two days, forcing evacuations and triggering power outages as firefighters struggled to contain the widening swath of flames.

The Texas A&M Forest Service said Wednesday morning the sprawling blaze known as the Smokehouse Creek fire remained uncontained and had doubled in size overnight to nearly 800 square miles, or roughly 500,000 acres. By Wednesday afternoon, the fire was estimated to have spread to 850,000 acres with 3% containment.

Authorities warned that the damage to communities on the high plains could be extensive as flames blackened the landscape across a vast stretch of small towns and cattle ranches.



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Thanks for finding these. I've been wondering all day what the situation is up there.

Texas Panhandle wildfire turns deadly, now the largest in state history
By FOX 4 Staff | Published February 29, 2024

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/texas-wildfire-updates-smokehouse-creek-fire



STINNETT, Texas - The Smokehouse Creek fire, one of several burning in the Texas Panhandle, is now the largest in the history of the state.

The Texas A&M Forest Service says the fire in Hutchinson County has burned 1,075,000 acres in Texas and Oklahoma and is currently 3 percent contained. 1,050,000 acres of that was in Texas.

The Forest Service says the Smokehouse Creek fire has now burned into the 687 Reamer fire which is also burning in the area.

David Reimer of Texas Storm Chasers has been covering the fires each day...

Quote: Isailedaway wrote in post #7

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Has a federal disaster been declared for the 2nd largest fire in the history of this country?

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Maria Pasillas@MariaPasillasTV
Quick stop to fuel up & keep on trucking! There has been numerous trucks that have passed by loaded with fencing supplies, feed or water. I hope all these folks stay safe driving to the TX Panhandle this weekend. ❤️‍🩹 #wildfire #texaspanhandle #texasweather #txfire #txwx


VIDEO at site: https://twitter.com/MariaPasillasTV/stat...007769407971784

Robbie Walker@robbie71w
·
14h
Call ahead before heading that way with hay & supplies. Miami, TX is low on hay & you may be re-directed there. This is Texas. Oklahoma is also in need, check with their extension agents if you are wanting to direct resources to Oklahoma.

https://twitter.com/robbie71w/status/1764125798145921522