The raging Smokehouse Creek Fire has scorched over 850,000 acres in the Texas Panhandle, making it the second largest wildfire in the state’s history. Fueled by dry conditions and high winds, the massive blaze has destroyed homes, killed cattle, and forced evacuations across multiple counties.
As firefighters work around the clock to contain the inferno, residents are taking stock of the devastation left in the fire’s wake. Entire neighborhoods in towns like Fritch have been reduced to piles of ash and rubble. Thick plumes of smoke have blanketed communities across the region, creating apocalyptic scenes reminiscent of the Dust Bowl era.
“It happened so quick,” said Frank Probst, a Fritch resident who had to flee the encroaching flames. “By the time the evacuation sirens went off, it was too late. We just jumped in the car and took off.”
Probst and his family were able to make it to safety in Amarillo, but returned the next day to find their home completely destroyed. Scenes like this are playing out across the Texas Panhandle as families grapple with unfathomable loss.
“Seeing my 3-year-old daughter, Addison, cry over our house has broken me,” said Tyler McCain, another Fritch resident who lost everything. “Stuff can be replaced, but it’s hard to see your kids get ripped out of their life like that.”
The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday and exploded in size on Tuesday as wind direction shifted, pushing the walls of flames across the landscape. By Wednesday, the fire had grown to a staggering 850,000 acres, surpassing the East Amarillo Complex Fire of 2006 as the second largest wildfire on record in Texas.
While lighter winds on Wednesday helped firefighters battle the blaze, forecasts call for more high winds and dry conditions in the coming days, setting the stage for further growth.
Wind was coming straight out of the north and made just this massive wall of fire moving across the landscape,” said Adam Turner of the Texas A&M Forest Service.
State of Emergency Declared
With the fires showing no signs of slowing down, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency and authorized additional resources to help contain the blaze. This includes mobilizing 94 firefighting personnel, 33 fire engines, and six air tankers.
The hardest hit areas are in Hemphill and Hutchinson counties, where the Smokehouse Creek Fire has charred over 400,000 acres alone. Local officials estimate hundreds of homes and structures have been destroyed, and thousands of cattle killed.
“In Hemphill County, which includes the city of Canadian, 400,000 acres burned, scores of homes were destroyed and thousands of cattle died,” said Andy Holloway, Hemphill County AgriLife Extension agent.
The impact has been devastating for the region where cattle ranching is a major sector of the economy. Texas accounts for over 85% of cattle production in the U.S.
Evacuations Ordered
With structures continuing to be threatened, local authorities have ordered evacuations across multiple towns. The city of Fritch is also under a boil water notice due to fire damage to infrastructure.
“That is hard to do since many residents are without electricity and or gas,” said Hutchinson County officials in a statement.
To aid displaced residents, local organizations like Amarillo National Bank have set up relief funds, donating $1 million so far.
Firefighters have been able to contain about 3% of the colossal Smokehouse Creek Fire thus far. With more dangerous fire conditions expected in the coming days, crews are working tirelessly to try and tame the rampaging flames.
Looking over the charred landscape of what was once his home, Probst told reporters, “Our main concern was getting [our elderly neighbors] out first. We were the last ones out.”
This sums up the community spirit that has emerged in response to the horrific disaster. Though the damage has been catastrophic, Texans are banding together with grit and determination to rebuild what the wildfires have destroyed.
