Snow in Texas wildfire-hit area
The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas, which merged with another fire that crossed the state line in western Oklahoma, was only 15 percent contained after six days. Texas A&M Forest Service.
Strong winds and dry conditions over the weekend threatened to intensify what was already the largest wildfire in state history.
The fire has burned more than 1.1 million acres across the Texas Panhandle and destroyed 500 structures, Texas officials confirmed.
After rain and snow on Thursday allowed firefighters to contain part of the blaze, the National Weather Service in Amarillo issued a red flag warning for the entire Panhandle from Saturday morning until midnight Sunday.
At least two people died in the fire.
Joyce Blankenship, 83, was found dead in her destroyed Hutchinson County home, authorities said.
It was confirmed on Thursday that a second woman – Cindy Owens – fell from her truck and suffered severe burns.
Will it rain amid wildfires raging in the Texas Panhandle?
According to an NWS Amarillo tweet, showers are possible later in the week. But not much chance.
“Not much of a chance at this time, but we'll see a chance for rain this weekend. We could even see a few thunderstorms, especially across the eastern Panhandles and into western Oklahoma. Check back for forecast updates this coming week #phwx #TXwx #OKwx”
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 19:00
Fire weather conditions are persistent in the Texas Panhandle
The Texas Division of Emergency Management tweeted that fire weather conditions are in the Panhandle and spread across West Texas.
Also includes a list of helpful prevention tips.
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 18:30
Photos: Fire devastation in the Texas Panhandle
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Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 18:00
How to Help During a Fire in the Texas Panhandle
The Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund has been created by the Texas Farm Bureau in an effort to help farmers and ranchers affected by the fires.
The fund says the scheme will only collect and distribute cash contributions.
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 17:30
Watch: Planes suck water from lake over Texas wildfires
Multi-engine airtankers (super scoopers) drain water from Lake Meredith before responding to #WindyDeuceFire,” a tweet posted. Texas A&M Forest Service.
13 aircraft involved in wildfires in Texas
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 17:00
Hay donations to the Texas Panhandle
Donations of feed and hay to ranchers in need continue to be made in the Texas Panhandle.
“But it's more than a round bale or a sack of feed,” the Texas Farm Bureau said in a tweet. “It's hope and optimism rolled up tight with prayers for a better tomorrow.”
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 16:00
See also: Time Lapse of the Smokehouse Creek Fire
Video sourced from ABC7 yellow A time lapse of the Smokehouse Creek Fire is shown.
In four minutes, the air temperature goes from 75 degrees to 104 degrees.
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 15:40
Two firefighters injured while fighting wildfire in Oklahoma
Two firefighters were injured while fighting a wildfire in Oklahoma. Associated Press reported.
As the two went to put out the fire near the cage, one suffered heat-related injuries and the other was injured when the brush bumper he was riding in collided with a tanker truck.
Both firefighters are expected to recover.
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 15:20
Dangerous weather continues today
“Severe fire weather conditions are expected to continue today with southwest winds gusting to 50 mph and humidity below 15 percent,” the National Weather Service posted Sunday.
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 15:05
Fire Extinction Maps in the Texas Panhandle
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Smokehouse Creek Fire is the largest in state history, having burned 1,078,086 acres alone. It is only 15 percent as of Saturday.
At least two people died in the fire.
Joyce Blankenship, 83, was found dead in her destroyed Hutchinson County home, authorities said.
It was confirmed on Thursday that a second woman – Cindy Owens – fell from her truck and suffered severe burns.
Check out the maps of these deadly flames:
Andrea Cavaliere3 March 2024 14:00
