Multiple wildfires trigger evacuations across northern Texas and New Mexico
Wildfires burning across the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico have scorched more than 18 000 ha (44 500 acres) since May 14, 2026 prompting evacuations near Amarillo and along the New Mexico–Texas border.
Satellite image of northern Texas New Mexico Border showing active wildfires in the region on May 14 and 15, 2026. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, Zoom Earth, The Watchers
Multiple grass fires broke out across parts of northern Texas and New Mexico during the afternoon and evening hours of May 14, prompting evacuations in multiple areas.
Along the New Mexico–Texas border, the Line Fire prompted evacuations in the town of Nara Visa after igniting at around 18:00 LT on May 14.
The fire has since burned approximately 9 307 ha (23 000 acres) and is 25% contained. The blaze originated in Quay County, New Mexico, before spreading into Texas.
The Hunggate Fire was triggered by a lightning strike on May 14 and has scorched more than 5 666 ha (14 000 acres) since. It is currently 30% contained. The fire has already destroyed multiple structures, including a railroad bridge in the area.
Mandatory evacuations were issued at 18:56 LT for residents in the Chaparral Villas canyon area near Brown Road and Cemetery Road, as well as areas near 13th Avenue in Randall County. The Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management later lifted the evacuation orders at approximately 23:34 LT.
“Crews made good progress overnight in building the containment line. Firefighters and aviation will be on the scene today to continue this work,” said the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Hunggate Fire, south of Canyon, Texas, has completely destroyed a railroad bridge, leaving only remnants of the rail structure. The fire was last reported at 14,000 acres. @MyRadarWX #txwx #hunggatefire pic.twitter.com/wpSqaKzQa5
— Jordan Hall (@JordanHallWX) May 15, 2026
Meanwhile, another wildfire dubbed the Shifty Fire has burned more than 2 023 ha (5 000 acres) in Potter County, affecting areas including northern Amarillo, Interstate 40, Valley de Oro, and U.S. Highway 287 north of Amarillo.
The Roman Fire in Hartley County has burned more than 809 ha (2 000 acres) and is 65% contained, while the Crooked Cook Fire has scorched about 607 ha (1 500 acres) in Motley County. Multiple other fires, including the Indigo and McBride fires, have been fully contained.
References:
1 Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer – TFS – accessed at 10:30 UTC on May 15, 2026
2 Line Fire – Quay County – Wildfire Notification – NM Fire Info – May 14, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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