I reported earlier this week about the Texas Smokehouse Creek fire. The fire continues to burn out of control, forced along by raging winds and fueled by very dry conditions throughout the region. Several other fires also continue to scorch the surrounding area, making this massive fire event the largest in the state of Texas’ history with over one million acres burned. Areas affected include the Texas Panhandle (north of Interstate 40) and parts of western Oklahoma. As of Friday evening, the fire had burned 1,078,086 acres and was 15% contained.
At least two people have died, several ranches and hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and thousands of cattle have died in the fire that began earlier this week. Power outages are widespread and predictions for the weekend call for high winds, up to 40 mph, through Sunday. The fire could move at 1-2 mph and burn 250 to 500 acres an hour if a spot fire occurs. This will make fire containment a worsening challenge and power restoration extremely difficult.
If you plan to travel or camp in the affected area, check with local authorities and your campground for information.
To check on current Smokehouse Creek Fire conditions, click here. (Be sure to scroll down on the page.)
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Best to NOT camp or travel through this affected area. Let the Professionals do their jobs. Having to deal with campers and travelers is a dangerous task that takes away from their focus on Fire Suppression, in order to protect lives and property.
Sadly, thousands of head of cattle were burned alive in this fire. The cause is under investigation, according to Inciweb.
Thank you, Gail! Such a tragic event! Oddly enough, as MattD implied, it was the numbers of cattle killed by the fire that put it into perspective for me. Perhaps this is because I have an idea of the amount of pasture we had to support the few cows that Daddy ran. In any case, I do hope they get this fire contained, but the wind will have to quit to do it quickest, won’t it? Yet, I have read that wildfires, particularly large ones, create winds, which ultimately further the spread of the fire. Safe travels, Gail! 🙂
The current resident of the White House admitted at his TX border visit to Brownsville, TX that it was a DEW that started this fire. Those responsible need to be charged with murder and many other charges in relation to this horrible event!
What is a DEW?
Directed Energy Weapon
Currently contained at 15%
Sadly it’s calving season. Came thru the area last Monday when things were just getting going. I saw a lot of newborn black Angus. Fire hadn’t reached them yet but they couldn’t run away like the moms
Looking at the ground, you wouldn’t think it would burn. Looks like sand and dirt.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 Is the fire under control? A web search revealed lots of stuff several to one day(s)-old, but very little recent. Thank you, safe travels! 🙂
Hi, Neal. Here’s the info from InciWeb from a few minutes ago: The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned 1,059,570 acres and is 44% contained. Scroll down on that page for complete information. (They have the most up-to-date info.) Very terrible situation. –Diane
Thank you, Diane! Yes, awful. Must be such a feeling of helplessness to see the fire get larger and larger. 🙁
Yes, but 44% containment is an improvement.🤞 Have a good night, Neal. 😀 –Diane
Yes, it is, particularly compared to the 15% of last Friday.
👍 Good night, fellow night owl.🦉 (Except it’s a lot later where you are, Neal.) –Diane