While the massive wildfires in the Texas Panhandle aren't growing as rapidly as they were earlier in the week, they're still untamed and threatening more death and destruction.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle is now the largest in Texas history at 1,075,000 acres. That's almost 1,700 square miles. (That's bigger than Rhode Island.) It's only 3% contained. The East Amarillo Complex fire back in 2006 was previously the largest in state history, it burned about 907,000 acres.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire started Monday afternoon near the city of Stinnett in Hutchinson County, about 75 miles northeast of Amarillo. One fatality has been reported in Stinnett.
"The terrain has made it difficult, and that's why you see those containment numbers that are so low," says Grant Merrill, owner of Southwest Media Group. His TSN-affiliated stations have been covering the fires since they broke out earlier this week.
Since Monday, the fire has steadily spread eastward. It's caused evacuations and damage along its path that went through Canadian, TX. As of Thursday morning, it's even spread into Western Oklahoma, about 100 miles from its starting point.
As we approach the weekend, wildfire activity is expected to increase in the Panhandle. Portions of South Texas continue to face increased wildfire risk, as well as East Texas. The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to a Level 3 out of 5. Nim Kidd with the Texas Office of Emergency Management is urging people to stay away from the hardest-hit areas.
"We don't want people going back as the evacuation orders are still in place. I believe this fire will grow before it gets fully contained," he said.
Hundreds of firefighters from cities across Texas and other states have arrived in the Panhandle.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management has deployed additional state emergency resources. Governor Abbott also directed the agency to increase its readiness level to Level 2 -- Escalated Response.
Meanwhile, FEMA has already approved a grant request for the Smokehouse and Windy Deuce fires, meaning that Texas will be eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting those fires.
The fires have no doubt taken a toll on thousands of Texans. Some ranchers did all they could to keep their animals safe, but the fires were just too fast. There are reports of livestock deaths. The exact number is not yet known.
Those who have experienced losses should take photos or videos of deceased livestock before burial and damaged property. You'll also want to gather up if you can, receipts or certificates, veterinarian records, production records, bank or other loan documents, and contracts.
Damage can be reported using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) at damage.tdem.texas.gov. However, reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency.
In the wake of these fires, Texans are going to need an abundance of resources to help get back on their feet.
First, if you need help and don't know who to call, you can dial 2-1-1 and they can connect you with services.
Second, if you want to help with donations of hay, feed, fencing supplies, cow feed, and milk replacer are all needed. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is establishing Animal Supply Points in several locations in the region to accept donations.
Those with hay, feed, or fencing materials to donate, or with equipment to help haul hay, should contact the following supply points and coordinators:
Gray County Animal Supply Point: Clyde Carruth Pavilion, 301 Bull Barn Drive, Pampa. Contact Marcus Preuninger at 806-669-8033 or 325-728-0477.
Hemphill County Animal Supply Point at Canadian AH&N Ranch Supply, 100 Hackberry St., Canadian. Contact Andy Holloway at 806-323-9114.
Donations of hay can also be made through the Texas Department of Agriculture Hay Hotline. And, a relief fund has been established through the STAR Fund Disaster Assistance through the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Direct monetary donations in Gray County should be sent to: City of Pampa – Attn: Finance, Box 2499, Pampa, Texas 79066-2499, reference 02/27/2024 Fire, or made by phone or in person at FirstBank Southwest-Pampa at 806-669-8007. Reference City of Pampa donation for Smokehouse Creek Fire.
To make donations for people who lost their homes in Hemphill County, go to First Baptist Canadian.
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