Texas wildfires: Firefighter killed responding to blaze as state pleads for hay to stem cattle losses

The Smokehouse Creek fire which is now five times the size of New York City

Snow in area affected by Texas wildfires

Cool weather on Monday managed to help officials quell some of the fires as containment levels increased early this week, with two fires becoming completely contained.

But fire authorities warn that increased fire weather could hit the Texas Panhandle Thursday and Friday. At a news conference on Tuesday, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd pleaded with nearby residents not to start any new fires.

“Over 90% of wildfires are human caused,” he claimed. Strong winds and dry conditions this past weekend exacerbated flames, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire in northern Texas which remains only 44 per cent contained, according to the forest service. The fires began late last month.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned more than 1.3 million acres across the Texas Panhandle and destroyed 500 structures. It’s now the largest fire in the state’s history and one of the largest in the US’ history.

Authorities say it has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of cattle and forcing evacuations. Statewide, the fires have killed at least two civilians and one volunteer fire chief.

A lawsuit filed last week claims that the fires originated from an electric pole that wasn’t properly inspected, fell and started the blaze.

Key Points

• Second person dies as result of Texas wildfires
• ‘Critical’ fire weather conditions coming to Texas Panhandle this weekend
• 'Just talking to her was a joy’: Grandson remembers 83-year-old grandmother who died in wildfires

[6 March 2024 04:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

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:

[6 March 2024 05:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

World Central Kitchen working to help families in the area

The nonprofit, which is an organisation that works to make food for families in need, made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter.

[6 March 2024 07:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

Governor Abbott pleads with other states to send hay

During a news conference on Friday, Governor Greg Abbott pleaded with states and regions close to the wildfires to continue to send hay.

“If there’s any state, any city any community that’s provided hay, as the governor of Texas, I want to thank you for your help,” he said, adding, “But also please send more.”

He continued: “We don’t know how long we’re going to be going through this situation with inadequate hay for this region.”

[6 March 2024 09:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

Several people who lost homes in the fire did not have homeowners insurance

State Republican Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement at a news conference on Friday.

“A lot of the people who have lost a home had no insurance,” he said “So there are a lot of people in great need right now.”

[6 March 2024 10:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

Cold front moves 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.

[6 March 2024 11:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

Watch: Video show scorched Texas land

[6 March 2024 12:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

Texas Fire Marshal’s Office issues guidance on wildfires

[6 March 2024 13:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

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.”

[6 March 2024 16:00 · Michelle Del Rey]

Watch: Texas ranchers begin clean up after fires

[6 March 2024 16:02 · Michelle Del Rey]

New lawsuit describes possible cause of fire

Melanie McQuiddy, a woman from Hemphill County who lost her home in the Smokehouse Creek fire, is suing Xcel Energy Services, and their contractor, Southwestern Public Service Company, for what she believes to be their involvement in an electrical fire that incinerated over a million acres.