Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in 60 counties.
A significant wildfire in Texas has resulted in one fatality, prompted evacuations, disrupted electrical services, and temporarily halted activities at a nuclear facility. The fire has consumed 1.1 million acres near Amarillo, ranking as the second-largest in U.S. history.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in 60 counties. The fire, fueled by dry vegetation, high temperatures, and strong winds, is only 3% contained.
In Hutchinson County, an 83-year-old woman, Joyce Blankenship, lost her life to the fire. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, as it’s known, has destroyed an area larger than Rhode Island.
The West Odessa Fire Department has recognized it as the most extensive and damaging fire in Texas’s history, exceeding the East Amarillo Complex fire of 2006.
The Texas A&M Forest Service reports a slight reduction in wind speeds, which may help control the fire. Cooler weather and rain are expected, which could assist firefighting efforts.
State officials, including Governor Abbott, have mobilized hundreds of firefighters, fire engines, and air tankers to combat the flames. Multiple communities and parts of Amarillo have been evacuated.
The National Weather Service advises residents near Amarillo to stay indoors due to poor air quality. The agricultural sector, particularly cattle farming, which is prevalent in the panhandle, faces significant threats.
The Turkey Track Ranch, a historic property, reported severe damage, with 80% of its land affected. PowerOutage.us indicates that over 4,800 homes and businesses are without electricity.
The Pantex nuclear weapons facility, located north of the fire’s path, was evacuated but has since reopened. The plant’s emergency response team was activated, and its fire department is prepared for such emergencies.
Other fires in Texas and neighboring states like Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are also challenging responders, with thousands of acres burned and homes destroyed.
