A raging wildfire that tore across the Texas Panhandle this week has now become the largest in state history, and deteriorating conditions are expected to continue in the state.
A string of wildfires has blown through the Lone Star State in recent days, prompting evacuations and the destruction of homes and buildings. Texas A&M Forest Service reported Thursday that the largest fire, the Smoke House Creek Fire, has grown to an estimated 1,075,000 acres in Hutchinson County and is only 3 percent contained.
It has merged with another fire, named the 687 Reamer Fire, the forest service said. Some of the fires have also spread into Oklahoma.
The forest service confirmed to The Hill that the Smoke House Creek Fire is now the largest in state history. The forest service’s website currently lists the 2006 wildfire East Amarillo Complex in Hutchinson County as the largest in state history, burning 907,245 acres at the time.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) issued an emergency declaration for 60 counties earlier this week, warning that dry and windy conditions could worsen the situation. The Associated Press reported that Tom Ray, the mayor of Fritch located north of Amarillo, said an estimated 40 to 50 homes were destroyed on the southern edge of the town.
At least one fatality in Hutchinson County has been confirmed, multiple outlets reported. CNN reported that the family of the victim, 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship, confirmed she died at her home in Stinnett.
“The house was gone,” Nathan Blankenship, the grandson of the victim, told CNN. “There was no way she could’ve gotten out.”
The AP noted that firefighters battling the blazes could see some relief from the tough conditions Thursday, as the daily forecast predicting cooler temperatures, rain and snow in some areas could allow firefighters to make some progress.
However, that window is expected to be short lived before the rising temperatures and increased wind are forecast to return this weekend.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday’s press briefing that President Biden has been receiving updates about the wildfires. She said the White House and federal officials are in contact with state and local officials, adding that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Forest Service are providing assistance to the state.
“We are grateful for the brave firefighters and first responders who are working to protect people and save lives. And we urge everyone in the affected area to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of local officials, especially those who have been ordered to evacuate,” she said.
The Associated Press contributed.