Wildfires are spreading through the Texas Panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek fire in Hutchinson County, north of Amarillo, is estimated to have burned through 850,000 acres and only 3% of the fire is contained.
Mandatory evacuations have been placed in the Amarillo region including in the towns of Allison, Briscoe, Skellytown and Wheeler. More than 10,000 homes and businesses have lost power.
Dry conditions, along with higher than normal temperatures and strong winds are contributing factors.
Governor Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties. Classes have been cancelled in several school districts and will most likely be closed until Monday.
Governor Abbott said, “Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Forest Service and National Interagency Fire Center are providing assistance to Texas.
By - FZ
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