Texas Wildfires: Second-Largest Fire in State History Rages On
In a devastating turn of events, a massive fire has been raging in West Texas for two days now, making it the second-largest fire in the history of the state. Despite efforts to contain it, the fire shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. With the Smokehouse Creek Fire spreading to a staggering 850,000 acres in the Texas Panhandle region and several new fires emerging, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken action by upgrading the Texas State Emergency Operations Center readiness level and deploying additional resources to the affected areas.
The impact of these wildfires has been felt far and wide. Residents from north of Amarillo to two hours south of the city have been complaining about the overwhelming smell of smoke. In fact, the air quality in Amarillo and Lubbock has been classified as unhealthy for individuals to breathe. However, amidst this crisis, there has been an outpouring of support from the local community, with donations pouring in to help those affected and displaced by the fires.
So, where exactly are these wildfires in Texas, and how big are they? According to the Texas Fire Map, there are currently five active fires in the Texas Panhandle region. The largest among them is the Smokehouse Creek Fire, located north of Amarillo, which has already scorched a staggering 850,000 acres. Unfortunately, only 3% of it has been contained so far. Other active fires include the Grape Vine Creek Fire (30,000 acres with 60% containment), Windy Deuce Fire (142,000 acres with 30% containment), Magenta Fire (2,500 acres with 40% containment), and 687 Reamer Fire (2,000 acres with 10% containment). Combined, these fires have already consumed over a million acres in the Texas panhandle.
For those unfamiliar with the Texas Panhandle, it refers to the 26 counties that border Oklahoma and New Mexico in the northwest region of the state. The largest city within these 26 counties is Amarillo, with a population of over 200,000 people.
As the fires rage on, concerns about air quality have also arisen. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that the air quality in Amarillo is currently classified as good and is expected to remain so throughout the day. However, in Lubbock, located south of Amarillo and within the Panhandle region, the air quality is deemed moderate, with an advisory to limit outdoor activities. Fortunately, the air forecast predicts that Lubbock’s air quality will improve and return to a good status later in the day.
Governor Greg Abbott has taken swift action in response to this crisis. On Tuesday, he issued an emergency declaration, listing the 60 counties in the Panhandle, Plains, and Wichita Falls area that require immediate assistance. This declaration directs state resources to aid firefighting efforts. Furthermore, Abbott authorized the deployment of additional resources to these affected areas through the Texas Department of Emergency Management. He also instructed the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to be ready for Level 2—Escalated Response.
When it comes to wildfires, Texas has unfortunately seen its fair share of devastation. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the largest fire in Texas history was the East Amarillo Complex Fire, which began on March 3, 2006, and consumed over 907,245 acres. However, the Smokehouse Creek Fire is now on track to surpass that record. It has already become the second-largest fire in Texas history, surpassing the 1988 Big Country Fire that scorched 366,000 acres.
Many have wondered how these fires get their names. Unlike hurricanes, which are named from a predetermined list, wildfires are named based on geographical locations. First responders, incident commanders, and dispatchers responding to the fire are responsible for selecting these names.
As for the cause of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, officials have yet to release any information regarding its origin. However, they have acknowledged that weather conditions are exacerbating the spread of the fire, making it even more challenging to contain.
Tragically, there has been at least one confirmed death resulting from these wildfires. Joyce Blankenship, a former substitute teacher in Hutchinson County, lost her life in the fire. Her remains were discovered in her burned house, according to officials.
In the face of this devastation, many people are looking for ways to help those impacted by the fires. There are numerous avenues available for assistance, ranging from monetary donations to volunteering efforts. It is heartening to see the community come together and rally behind those affected by this tragedy.
As the wildfires continue to rage on and the impact grows, it is crucial for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. By coming together and supporting one another, we can begin to rebuild and heal from this devastating event.
