Wildfire Grows Into One Of Largest In Texas History, Menacing Towns

"CANADIAN, Texas — A cluster of wildfires scorched the Texas Panhandle on Wednesday, including a blaze that grew into one of the largest in state history, as flames moved with alarming speed and blackened the landscape across a vast stretch of small towns and cattle ranches.

Authorities warned that the damage to communities on the high plains could be extensive.

Known as the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest blaze expanded to more than 1,300 square miles (3,370 square kilometers) and jumped into parts of neighboring Oklahoma. It is now larger than the state of Rhode Island, and the Texas A&M Forest Service said the flames were only about 3% contained."

Jim Vertuno and Sean Murphy report for the Associated Press February 28, 2024.

SEE ALSO:

"Texas Panhandle Wildfires Kill 1 As Search For Victims Continues" (Weather Channel)

"Second-Largest Wildfire In Texas History Rages Across Panhandle" (Reuters)

"Why Did The Texas Panhandle Fires Grow So Fast?" (AP)

"Texas Wildfires Forces Shutdown At Nuclear Weapon Facility. Here Is What We Know" (AP)

Source: AP, 02/29/2024