San Angelo's Second Fire Crew Joins Battle Against Texas' Historic Wildfires

SAN ANGELO, TX - The second Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System crew from San Angelo is headed to the panhandle to battle the largest blaze in state history. 

It was previously reported on Feb. 28, that the first batch of fire trucks from San Angelo arrived in Canadian.

The fire department is battling the blaze unfolding at the Smokehouse Creek fire, now the largest wildfire in Texas history.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County is burning a total of 1,075,000 acres across Texas and Oklahoma and is 3% contained, as reported by the Texas A&M Forest Service. 

Since Sunday, Feb. 25, Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 56 wildfires burning more than 1,256,328 acres.

There are three additional active wildfires in the Texas panhandle today: the Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County at 30,000 acres and 60% contained; the Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County at 142,000 acres and 30% contained; and the Magenta Fire in Oldham County at 2,500 acres and 65% contained.

Texas A&M Forest Service states that the potential for wildfire activity will increase again for the Plains region on Saturday and Sunday due to strong winds and dry fuels.

To help prevent wildfires during windy and dry conditions:

• Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.

• Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle — they throw sparks.

• Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.