Wildfires Continue to Scorch the Texas Panhandle; Governor Issues Disaster Declarations for 60 Counties

A cluster of wildfires scorched the Texas Panhandle on Wednesday, including a blaze that grew into one of the largest in state history, as flames charred the landscape across a vast stretch of small towns and cattle ranches, The Associated Press reported (2-28-24).

The main fire, known as the Smoke House Creek Fire, has grown to more than half the size of Rhode Island—five times larger than on Monday, when it began. It now covers nearly 1,300 square miles (3,370 kilometers) and has jumped into parts of neighboring Oklahoma. The fire is only 3% contained.

According to The Associated Press, authorities have not said what ignited the fires, but strong winds, dry grass, and unseasonably warm temperatures fed the blazes.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties.

The weather service issued red-flag warnings and fire-danger alerts for several other states through the midsection of the country, as winds of over 40 mph (64 kph) combined with warm temperatures, low humidity, and dry winter vegetation make conditions ripe for wildfires.