As a fast-moving wildfire rages through the Texas Panhandle, Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a disaster for 60 counties, urging swift action to protect residents and property.
Fueled by dry and unseasonably warm conditions, the blaze has engulfed hundreds of thousands of acres, leading to evacuation orders and road closures, while thick smoke blankets the region.
Wildfires Ravage Texas Panhandle: Urgent Response Needed
"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," declared Gov. Abbott. "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.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest among several wildfires in the area, has doubled in size since igniting on Monday afternoon, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire burned 250,000 acres, with 0% contained, by Tuesday evening, making it the fifth-largest fire in Texas history, the agency reported. These fires have scorched more Texas terrain than all of last year's fires combined.
Alongside the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the Grape Vine Creek Fire is raging in the Texas Panhandle, consuming approximately 30,000 acres of land with only 20% containment achieved so far.
Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple counties, with communities like Moore and Potter under mandatory evacuation. As the flames approach residential areas, residents of Canadian and Hemphill County have been urged to seek shelter or evacuate, depending on the fire's proximity.
In Fritch, evacuations are also currently in progress, as it faces one of the four wildfires raging in the Panhandle.
The situation remains dire as the fires continue to spread rapidly, aided by strong winds and dry vegetation.
The impact of the wildfires extends beyond the immediate danger zone, with Pantex, a nuclear facility near Amarillo, suspending operations due to the proximity of the fires.
"Operations at the Pantex Plant have paused until further notice," the facility announced. "All weapons and special materials are safe and unaffected."
Texans Urged to Exercise Caution Amid Harsh Conditions
Emergency response efforts are underway, with firefighters battling against challenging conditions.
Gov. Abbott emphasized the importance of precautionary measures, urging Texans to avoid activities that could spark fires.
"Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe," he emphasized.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has heightened preparedness levels in anticipation of further wildfire activity. Meanwhile, organizations like the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association have launched fundraising campaigns to support affected communities.
As the wildfires continue to pose significant threats to lives and property, residents are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders. With high temperatures and windy conditions forecasted to persist, the risk of further fire outbreaks remains elevated across the region.
