Record-Breaking Texas Wildfire Burns 1 Million Acres, More Erupt
TL/DR –
The Smokehouse Creek Fire has grown to over 1 million acres in Texas, making it the largest fire on record in the state and surpassing the East Amarillo Complex fire in 2006. The fire also burned at least 31,590 acres in Oklahoma and caused widespread destruction in northern Texas, killing at least one person, 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship. It is one of five catastrophic infernos in the Texas Panhandle, threatening to destroy more homes, cattle, and livelihoods.
The Texas Smokehouse Creek Fire has now exceeded 1 million acres, making it the state’s largest recorded fire. This surpasses the previous record set by the East Amarillo Complex fire in 2006. As of Thursday, fire officials have reported it is only 3% contained.
The wildfire has also impacted Oklahoma, burning over 31,590 acres as of Wednesday, according to the Oklahoma Forestry Service.
The fire has devastated northern Texas, resulting in the tragic loss of 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship in Hutchinson County, according to her family. This fire is one of five major infernos currently threatening homes, livestock, and livelihoods across the Texas Panhandle.
Despite potential light precipitation on Thursday, ferocious winds are expected to return on Friday and throughout the weekend, likely intensifying the fires.
Power outages are a significant concern, with North Plains Electric Cooperative stating it has “approximately 115 miles of line to rebuild.” Hemphill County, where 400,000 acres have burned, countless homes have been destroyed, and thousands of cattle lost, also faces significant issues.
Alongside the colossal Smokehouse Creek Fire, the Windy Deuce Fire has scorched 142,000 acres and is 30% contained as of early Thursday. The Grape Vine Creek Fire has burnt 30,000 acres (60% contained), the Magenta Fire 2,500 acres (65% contained), and the 687 Reamer Fire over 2,000 acres (10% contained).
Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized additional state resources, including 94 firefighting personnel, 33 fire engines, and six air tankers, to combat the fires. In Oklahoma, 13 homes have been destroyed, and Gov. Kevin Stitt has activated emergency response teams.
In Fritch, Texas, affected by a boil water notice, many residents are without electricity or gas. Water bottles are being distributed at several locations.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire drastically increased in size to 850,000 acres from 500,000 acres due to a sudden wind direction shift on Wednesday. As of early Thursday, containment remains at 3%.
Fritch resident Frank Probst prioritized the evacuation of elderly neighbors before leaving himself, with little time to spare. He and his family couldn’t grab any belongings before fleeing the devastating fire. “It happened so quick. By the time the evacuation sirens went off, it was too late,” Probst shared.
Returning to their neighborhood on Wednesday, Tyler McCain and his family found nothing but ash and rubble. The sight of his 3-year-old daughter crying over their destroyed home has left him heartbroken. The family plans to stay in Amarillo until they can establish their next steps.
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