Smokehouse Creek Fire becomes largest wildfire in Texas history and second-largest in U.S.

Smokehouse Creek Fire becomes largest wildfire in Texas history and second-largest in U.S.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire expanded beyond 404 686 ha (1 million acres) in Texas, marking it as the largest wildfire in the state’s history. The blaze, which also extended into Oklahoma, has claimed the lives of at least two individuals and continues to pose a significant threat to homes, cattle, and livelihoods in the Texas Panhandle.

Aerial view of destruction from wildfire in Fritch, Texas

Aerial view of destruction from wildfire in Fritch, Texas

This aerial view shows burned houses and structures across Fritch, Texas caused by the Windy Duece Fire on February 28, 2024. More than 100 homes were destroyed from Fritch to Borger, Texas.

Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grows to second-largest wildfire in history of Texas

Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grows to second-largest wildfire in history of Texas

The Smokehouse Creek Fire started on Monday, February 26, 2024, in Hutchinson County, Texas, amidst adverse weather conditions, and has rapidly grown over the next 2 days to the second-largest wildfire in the state’s history. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 60 counties in response to the wildfire, which has only been 3% contained.

Series of devastating wildfires hit Texas Panhandle, causing evacuations, temporary closure of critical nuclear weapons facility, U.S.

Series of devastating wildfires hit Texas Panhandle, causing evacuations, temporary closure of critical nuclear weapons facility, U.S.

A series of out-of-control wildfires swept through the Texas Panhandle on February 27 and 28, 2024, prompting tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, causing widespread power outages, and forcing the temporary shutdown of the Pantex Plant, a critical nuclear weapons facility. The disaster, affecting numerous homes and prompting a disaster declaration in 60 counties, saw the Smokehouse Creek Fire rapidly grow to Texas’ 2nd largest wildfire in history.

King Fire scorches 5 800 ha (14 300 acres) of land in Brooks County, Texas

King Fire scorches 5 800 ha (14 300 acres) of land in Brooks County, Texas

A wildfire that started on the King Ranch in Brooks County, Texas, has burned around 5 800 ha (14 300 acres) of land as of Thursday, March 18, 2021, before being contained, according to the Texas Forest Service. The fire — named King Fire — began at the King…

Rankin Ranch Road Fire fire burns 60 000 acres, Texas

Rankin Ranch Road Fire fire burns 60 000 acres, Texas

A fast-moving Rankin Ranch Road Fire is burning in the far northeastern Texas panhandle since 14:30 local time on Thursday, March 23, 2017. Texas A&M Forest Service said Friday afternoon the fire is 50% contained. The fire burned 40 000 acres (16 200 hectares)…

Wildfire raging across Bastrop County, Texas, state of emergency declared

Wildfire raging across Bastrop County, Texas, state of emergency declared

Dry and hot weather conditions which have been prevailing across the US Plains for a few months, have combined with strong winds and record October heat to trigger strong wildfires over the last couple of days. In response to the situation, Texas Governor Greg…