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
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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.
Osmose CEO reacts to allegations in lawsuit
Mike Adams, CEO of Osmose, has issued a statement regarding a new lawsuit that claims the company failed to properly inspect a power pole that fell and started the Smokehouse Creek fire.
“We are closely following reports of the devastation brought by the Smokehouse Creek Fire, and our thoughts are with the victims of this tragedy,” Mr Adams said.
“Osmose takes these allegations extremely seriously. We immediately launched an in-depth investigation, and we are committed to fully cooperating with any other local investigations into the cause of the fire. We stand by the quality and accuracy of our utility pole inspections.”
Farmers to bear financial brunt as several issues stemming from fire not covered by insurance
Farmers will have to pay to bury their cattle, replace their dead and rebuild their fences, barns and infrastructure which won’t be covered by insurance, according to The Washington Post. Making matters worse, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott told reporters at a news conference that several homeowners who lost their residences in the blaze did not have homeowners insurance.
Many cattle in the Panhandle will have to be relocated indefinitely
Jared Blankenship, a rancher who represents the Panhandle for the Texas Farm Bureau Federation, said that many cattle in the region will need to be relocated indefinitely, according to The Washington Post.
AgriStress helpline available to Texas farmers
The Texas Farm Bureau has a hotline available to farmers in need. The line is free and open 24/7. According to a website advertising the service, everyone who answers the phone is familiar with the agriculture business and can help connect farmers and ranchers to other resources in the area.
The hotline number is 833-897-2474.
Texas representative calls on state to address climate change amid wildfires
Democratic State Representative Ana-Maria Ramos used the Smokehouse Creek fire to bring attention to climate change in a statement posted to X, formerly Twitter.
Climate crisis fuels another destructive wildfire season
The cause of last week’s fires are still unknown but around the world, larger, more intense, and erratic fires are being fuelled by extreme heat and drought.
These conditions are linked to the climate crisis, caused largely by greenhouse gas emissions from decades of burning fossil fuels.
Louise Boyle reports:
California is burning – now more than ever before
California is burning – now more than ever before. Each year millions of acres of land are reduced to ashes, tens of thousands of buildings razed and countless lives put under threat. As the climate crisis fuels another destructive wildfire season, Louise Boyle meets the crews that are preparing to face disaster head-on
Texas fire chief dies fighting fire
Fritch Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zeb Smith died from a heart attack while fighting a structure fire on Tuesday. The department has been fighting the ongoing wildfires in Texas, including the Windy Deuce Fire.
“During the response, Chief Smith faced unforeseen challenges and, despite emergency medical assistance and quick transportation to Golden Plains Community Hospital, tragically succumbed to his injuries,” the city of Borger said in a news release.
“Chief Zeb Smith served the Fritch and Hutchinson County community with selflessness and dedication. His exemplary leadership was evident in his tireless efforts over the past week, where he worked diligently to protect and safeguard his community and fellow citizens”.
Where to get resources if you’re impacted by the fires
The state released the following information on Monday regarding where impacted people can get government support.
Texans can locate wildfire resources from state agencies by visiting the 2024 February Wildfires page in the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Disaster Portal at tdem.texas.gov, including:
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: Reporting Wildfire Damage
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Current Wildfire Situation
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Supporting Wildfire Survivors with Agriculture Needs
- Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team: How to Request Veterinary Support
- Texas Animal Health Commission: Wildfire Information for Livestock
- Texas Department of Agriculture: Hay Hotline, AgriStress Hotline, State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund
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