Wildfires Scorching Hundreds of Thousands of Acres in the Panhandle

AMARILLO – Officials have directed nearly 5,000 residents in the Panhandle cities of Canadian, Fritch, and Glazier to shelter in place Tuesday as four separate wildfires ravage the region, consuming more than 250,000 acres.

Initially, residents in Hemphill County, home to Canadian, were instructed to evacuate as the Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest of the four, rapidly spread, scorching over 200,000 acres within a day. However, evacuation efforts faced challenges as firefighters battled to contain the blaze, blocking the main roadway.

The Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office, communicating via social media, announced the closure of Highway 60/83 and advised residents to seek shelter at the gymnasium of Canadian High School.

In response to the escalating wildfire situation, Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 60 Texas counties. The declaration aims to expedite the deployment of critical fire response resources to areas in the Texas Panhandle affected by the blazes.

"Hot and dry conditions, coupled with high temperatures and windy weather, are expected to persist in the region, potentially exacerbating the wildfires," stated Governor Abbott. He urged Texans to exercise caution to prevent sparks and ensure the safety of themselves and their communities.

The Texas A&M Forest Service warned of elevated wildfire risks due to dry conditions and above-average temperatures, exacerbated by increased wind speeds. Several large wildfires erupted yesterday across the Texas Panhandle under favorable conditions for fire spread.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the Texas A&M Forest Service elevated the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2.

In response to Governor Abbott's directive, the Texas Division of Emergency Management activated various state emergency response resources, including firefighting personnel, equipment, and logistical support. The Texas National Guard deployed a CH47 Chinook helicopter equipped for firefighting operations.

Texans are advised to prepare emergency plans, avoid activities that may generate sparks or flames, adhere to instructions from authorities, and maintain accessible emergency supplies.

For more information on wildfire safety tips, residents can visit TexasReady.gov and tfsweb.tamu.edu.