Texas fire live updates: Dry weather and strong winds threatened to intensify state’s largest ever wildfire
Snow in area affected by Texas wildfires
The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas, which has merged with another fire and crossed the state line into western Oklahoma, was only 15 percent contained after six days, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Strong winds and dry conditions through the weekend threatened to intensify the monster wildfire which is already the largest in state history.
The fire has burned more than 1.1 million acres across the Texas Panhandle and destroyed 500 structures, Texas authorities confirmed.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a red flag warning for the entire Panhandle from late Saturday morning through midnight Sunday after rain and snow on Thursday allowed firefighters to contain a portion of the fire.
The fires have killed at least two people.
Joyce Blankenship, 83, was found dead in her destroyed Hutchinson County home, officials said.
On Thursday it was confirmed that a second woman – Cindy Owens – had succumbed to her injuries after getting out of her truck and being severely burned.
Map of fires ravaging the Panhandle
The Smokehouse Creek fire is the largest in state history, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. It is just 15 per cent contained after six days, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
High winds and low humidity in the Panhandle are causing “critical fire weather conditions,” and threatening to intensify the monster wildfire, according to forecasters. The fires have also destroyed over 500 structures.
Here’s a map of the fires:
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 23:00
SEE IT: Texas rancher herds cattle across fire-charred landscape
Texas rancher herding cattle across fire-charred landscape
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 21:30
WATCH: Firefighters drive through largest blaze in Texas history in terrifying footage
Firefighters drive through largest blaze in Texas history in terrifying footage
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 21:00
Cold front to move across Texas Panhandle on Monday
A cold front set to move across the Texas Panhandle on Monday amid the largest wildfire in state’s history.
Officials said until then, however, critical fire weather conditions remain in effect.
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 20:40
Will Texas panhandle get rain amid raging wildfires?
Rain could be possible later in the week, according to a NWS Amarillo tweet. But not a high chance.
“Not a high chance at this time, but we will watch the chance for rain later this week. Could even see a few thunderstorms, especially for the eastern Panhandles into western Oklahoma. Check back for updates to the forecast as we go through the coming week #phwx #TXwx #OKwx”
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 19:00
Fire weather conditions remain in Texas Panhandle
Fire weather conditions remain in the Panhandle and extend across West Texas, the Texas Division of Emergency Management tweeted.
Also included was a list of helpful prevention tips.
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 18:30
How to help during Texas panhandle fires
A Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund has been created by the Texas Farm Bureau in an effort to help farmers and ranchers who have been affected by the fires.
This program will collect and distribute monetary contributions only, the fund says.
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 17:30
SEE IT: Planes scoop water from lake to dump on Texas wildfires
Multi-engine Airtankers (Super Scoopers) scoop water out of Lake Meredith before responding to the #WindyDeuceFire,” according to a tweet posted by Texas A&M Forest Service.
There are also 13 aircraft in Texas working on active wildfires.
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 17:00
Donations of hay delivered to Texas panhandle
Donations of feed and hay continue to be delivered to the Texas panhandle for ranchers in need.
“But it’s more than a round bale or a sack of feed,” the Texas Farm Bureau said in a tweet. “It’s hope and faith rolled up tight along with prayers for a better tomorrow.”
Andrea Cavallier3 March 2024 16:00
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