Texas, February 29 (Punjab Khabarnama): A colossal wildfire, dubbed the Smokehouse Creek Fire, is wreaking havoc across the Texas Panhandle, affecting 60 counties. Governor Abbott has declared a state of emergency, urging the mobilization of resources to combat the inferno.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire, now the second-largest in Texas history, spans a staggering 850,000 acres north of Stinnett. On Wednesday, temperatures soared to a scorching 126 degrees Fahrenheit, exacerbating the crisis. Residents are evacuating, roads are closed, and even a nuclear weapons facility near Amarillo had to shut down temporarily.
Firefighters faced a challenging battle as the blaze rapidly expanded from 300,000 acres on Wednesday. Despite progress in milder conditions, the cause of the fire remains unknown.
Weather conditions bring a glimmer of hope, with light snowfall expected on Thursday from a New Mexico storm. However, relief may be short-lived, as Friday’s forecast predicts rising temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity, amplifying the fire threat over the weekend.
Governor Abbott’s disaster declaration on Tuesday underscores the severity of the situation, calling for additional state resources to support local firefighting efforts. The town of Canadian in Hemphill County faced imminent danger, with a temperature recording station destroyed in the path of the flames.
As the Smokehouse Creek Fire continues its devastating path, vigilance remains crucial, especially with the impending unfavorable weather conditions. The community braces for a challenging firefighting effort amid the unfolding crisis.