Texas fires
https://disasterphilanthropy.org/di...U8PSzjyRQIYWlmjO1zKRxmTVYRM_2jOBoC-gwQAvD_BwE
Smokehouse Creek Fire: This
wildfire in Texas has become the
biggest fire ever in the state and the second-largest wildfire in U.S. history, as of Feb. 29. The fire has burned more than a million acres in Texas, and nearly
32,000 acres in Oklahoma, and has only 3% containment.
Disaster declarations were issued by Governor Greg Abbott for 60 counties in response to the Smokehouse Creek Fire and three other fires. More than
100 miles of power lines will need to be rebuilt. Approximately 30,000 people are located within the perimeter.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire grew from 300,000 acres on Feb. 27,
to 850,000 on Feb. 28 and then jumped to more than a million acres on Feb. 29. The drone footage shows the magnitude of the devastation. With dry, windy conditions expected as March begins, officials are worried the fire will worsen.
At 1,075,000 acres, the Smokehouse Creek Fire is
bigger than Rhode Island. Texas’ preparedness level increased to three, indicating they will need outside resources to help fight the fires.
Dozens of homes in communities in the Texas Panhandle have been destroyed, along with numerous other structures, including barns, outbuildings and businesses. Many livestock and agricultural lands have also been destroyed. The fire is mostly burning in grass with some lumber at the
bottom of the canyons.
An
83-year-old grandmother in Stinnett is the only fatality to date.
Windy Deuce Fire: In the town of Fritch, the mayor estimated that at least 50 homes have been destroyed by the
Windy Deuce Fire in the southern part of the community, but the fire is still burning and not all areas are accessible. Damage may be higher
Home to slightly more than 2,100 people, the north side of Fritch
burned in a wildfire in 2014.
The
Windy Deuce Fire has burned 142,000 acres, with 50% containment as of Feb. 29.
Several evacuations are in place.
687 Reamer Fire: This fire was smaller and burned 2,000 acres with 10% containment before being consumed by the Smokehouse Creek Fire on Feb. 28.
