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.
Satellite image shows ash cover from Smokehouse Creek Fire
Red Flag Warning in effect until 7pmCST
A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 7pmCST on Saturday for critical fire weather conditions as the fires continue in the Texas panhandle.
Former VP Al Gore calls for action amid Texas wildfires, California blizzard
The former vice president called for action as The Smokehouse Creek Fire continues to rage in Texas and a blizzard pummels northern California.
“Today from Truckee to Texas, communities are coming face-to-face with the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. 100mph winds and 12’ of snow are battering the Sierra Nevada while crews battle the largest wildfire in Texas history. We owe it to our our communities, neighbors, friends, and family to take action now to prevent further climate chaos.”
Map of fires ravaging the Texas 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 five days, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service on Saturday.
Here’s a map where the fires are raging:
Texas wildfires: Map of blazes ravaging the Panhandle
The Smokehouse Creek fire became the largest in state history on Thursday morning, burning more than one million acres
Deadly Texas fires destroy up to 500 structures
Two dead as Smokehouse Creek fire ravages Texas panhandle
Joyce Blankenship, 83, was found dead in her Stinnett, Texas home on Wednesday as wildfires ravaged the region. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and former substitute teacher, say her relatives.
More than a dozen other homes in her town were destroyed by the fires, which now include the largest blaze in state history: the Smokehouse Creek fire, burning one million acres alone in the Texas Panhandle.
Blankenship’s grandson, Lee Quesada, told the Associated Press that local deputies told his uncle they had found her remains in her burned home on Wednesday.
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.
SEE IT: Destruction from largest fire in Texas state history
Maps of fires ravaging the Texas Panhandle
The Smokehouse Creek fire is now the largest in state history as it burns 1,078,086 acres alone, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. It is just 15 per cent contained as of Saturday.
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.
See maps of these deadly blazes:
Texas wildfires: Map of blazes ravaging the Panhandle
The Smokehouse Creek fire is largest in state history
Critical fire weather conditions continue today
“Critical fire weather conditions are expected to continue today as winds out of the southwest gust to 50 mph and humidity drops below 15 percent,” the National Weather Service posted on Sunday. “Please refrain entirely from outdoor activities that generate sparks or flames.”
Two firefighters were injured battling flames in Oklahoma
Two firefighters were injured battling the flames in Oklahoma from the fire that spread from Texas, The Associated Press reported.
One suffered a heat-related injury and the other was injured when the brush pumper he was riding in struck a tanker truck as the two were heading to fight the fire near Gage.
Both firefighters are expected to recover.
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