Authorities have warned that the raging fire in Texas, the largest in the state’s history, could spread even further over the weekend. Fire crews in the Texas Panhandle were battling to get a tighter grip on the state’s largest wildfire on record. The disaster has so far resulted in the deaths of two people, killed thousands of cattle, and devastated an area close to half a million hectares, destroying around 500 homes.
The fire, named Smokehouse Creek, leaves behind ashes. By Friday afternoon, the fire was only contained at 15 percent. The situation worsens with the emergence of several smaller fires in western Texas.
According to Governor Greg Abbott, the Panhandle region has been "completely devastated." The fire destroyed about 500 buildings.
“Some places have completely disappeared. Nothing remains but ashes on the ground,” Abbott said during a Friday press conference. On Tuesday, he declared a state of disaster in 60 counties due to “widespread fires across the state.” He announced plans to seek federal assistance and is looking for other funds to “accelerate the rebuilding process.”
Smokehouse Creek Fire has scorched more than 1 million acres (404,685 hectares), according to the latest figures from the Texas A&M Forest Service, provided on Thursday.
According to authorities, 90 percent of Roberts County is burned.
Extreme fire conditions were caused by hot, dry, and windy conditions earlier in the week. Authorities warn that over the weekend, with forecasted strong winds, the fire could spread even further.
According to Texan farmers, the fire devastated cattle ranches.
Earlier, Canadian’s fire chief, Scott Brewster, said 109 homes were destroyed in the town and surrounding Hemphill County, as well as an unspecified number of other structures.
The once-fertile grasslands around Canadian looked more like a war zone on Friday, with thousands of cattle corpses littering the charred fields, according to Wes Avent, who owns a local ranch supply store.
“We fear that thousands of animals have perished,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
According to Texan authorities, the losses will be devastating for farmers, as pastures designated for grazing and providing feed for the winter months, as well as farm buildings, will also be destroyed.
According to the latest Texas A&M Forest Service numbers, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has now burned through 1.08 million acres (437,060 hectares), or nearly 1,700 square miles, an area larger than New York's Long Island. That replaced a 2006 fire that charred about 900,000 acres (364,220 hectares) as the most expansive in state history.
Several smaller wildfires were burning in other parts of the Panhandle. The next largest, the Windy Deuce fire, has burned 142,000 acres (57,470 hectares) and was 50% contained on Friday, according to Texas A&M.
According to Governor Greg Abbott, the Panhandle region has been "completely devastated." The fire destroyed about 500 buildings.
“Some places have completely disappeared. Nothing remains but ashes on the ground,” Abbott said during a Friday press conference. On Tuesday, he declared a state of disaster in 60 counties due to “widespread fires across the state.” He announced plans to seek federal assistance and is looking for other funds to “accelerate the rebuilding process.”
Smokehouse Creek Fire has scorched more than 1 million acres (404,685 hectares), according to the latest figures from the Texas A&M Forest Service, provided on Thursday.
According to authorities, 90 percent of Roberts County is burned.
Extreme fire conditions were caused by hot, dry, and windy conditions earlier in the week. Authorities warn that over the weekend, with forecasted strong winds, the fire could spread even further.
According to Texan farmers, the fire devastated cattle ranches.
Earlier, Canadian’s fire chief, Scott Brewster, said 109 homes were destroyed in the town and surrounding Hemphill County, as well as an unspecified number of other structures.
The once-fertile grasslands around Canadian looked more like a war zone on Friday, with thousands of cattle corpses littering the charred fields, according to Wes Avent, who owns a local ranch supply store.
“We fear that thousands of animals have perished,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
According to Texan authorities, the losses will be devastating for farmers, as pastures designated for grazing and providing feed for the winter months, as well as farm buildings, will also be destroyed.
According to the latest Texas A&M Forest Service numbers, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has now burned through 1.08 million acres (437,060 hectares), or nearly 1,700 square miles, an area larger than New York's Long Island. That replaced a 2006 fire that charred about 900,000 acres (364,220 hectares) as the most expansive in state history.
Several smaller wildfires were burning in other parts of the Panhandle. The next largest, the Windy Deuce fire, has burned 142,000 acres (57,470 hectares) and was 50% contained on Friday, according to Texas A&M.
Source: PAP, Reuters
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