Updated as of March 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Wildfire season
The biggest wildfire in Texas history burned last week and moved fast due to high wind speeds between 40 and 60 miles per hour that swept through the High Plains. The cluster of fires has spread through most of Robert and Hemphill County and is still currently active.
Over a million acres have been burned in Texas and Oklahoma. As of Monday, the fires have been 37% contained.
Xcel Energy, a utility company has acknowledged their power lines ignited the Smokehouse Creek fire that covered 1,700 square miles, spilling into Oklahoma.
Claims due to loss of property or livestock and be filed with them.
Many counties in the High Plains including southwest Kansas and the Texas Panhandle are on high alert due to low humidity combined with warm weather and high winds, which increase the risk of fires.
Wildfire season usually peaks in February and early March, when all of the moisture from January has dried up, leaving vegetation ready to burn.
The High Plains region experienced a wetter summer last year which was beneficial for agriculture. But it also produced more grasses and fuel to be burned.
Aaron Williams, fire management officer for the Kansas Forest Service in southwest Kansas, says fires are most often accidental.
“What we are seeing more and more now is fires burning year-round," Williams said.
Williams says keeping your vehicle and farming equipment in check can help reduce the chances of a spark causing an uncontrolled fire, especially with high winds.
A lot of farmers and ranchers lost crops, livestock and land from the fires, but the region is trying to pull together resources for these communities.
Tracking fires in you area
- The EPA AirNow site is an interactive map that displays smoke and fire dangers.
- The National Interagency Fire Center map provides up-to-date information on active wildfires across the nation.
- The Amarillo Fire Department is posting continuous updates on their Facebook page for the region and where donations can be made.
Resources for agriculture
- Due to the loss of livestock and crops, the Texas Farm Bureau has put together donations for relief. There are livestock supply points for ranchers in Gray and Hemphill counties for hay, feed and other supplies.
- The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is accepting donations to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund.
- The Orphan Calf Relief Program started in 2017 after the Starbuck Fire. They will raise orphaned orphaned calves while ranchers rebuild their land.
Mental health
- Disaster Distress Helpline provides support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters, including wildfires. Call or text 800-985-5990.
- AgriStress Helpline is a resource available for those who work in agriculture and can provide crisis support. Call or text 833-897-2474.
How to help
- The Amarillo Area Foundation’s Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund was created specifically for situations like this one and is a good source for donations.
- The Amarillo Fire Department is accepting donations of fresh food and hard goods. (Contact 806-273-0955.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has resources on making monetary donations to specific counties and supplies needed.
Additional resources
- Listen to local authorities about safety hazards and latest information for your specific area.
- Shelters are available in the region from disasters.
- Here is a list of counties under Red Flag warnings in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
- Keep track with your local National Weather Service Station for weather updates and fire risks.
