A dangerous mix of freeze-cured vegetation, dry winter air and persistent high winds has pushed most of the Texas Panhandle into critical wildfire conditions, with at least 22 of the region’s 26 counties now under active burn bans.
That means roughly 85% of the Panhandle is operating under emergency fire restrictions, including the region’s most populated areas. Randall County enacted its ban in December, followed this month by Potter and Hutchinson counties, which issued emergency orders within days of each other.
While winter is often perceived as a lower-risk season for wildfires, current conditions across the High Plains more closely resemble peak spring fire danger.
Freeze-curing driving elevated fire risk
The heightened threat is largely tied to freeze-curing, a process in which grasses and other vegetation die after hard frosts and rapidly dry into highly flammable fuel.
The risk has been amplified by a strong 2025 growing season that produced heavy grass cover across much of the region. Successive freezes, combined with dry air and frequent wind events, have converted that vegetation into continuous fuel capable of supporting fast-moving fires.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo has warned that repeated dry cold fronts have significantly reduced humidity levels, contributing to conditions historically associated with major wildfire outbreaks across the Southern Plains.
Those concerns prompted the agency to issue a Red Flag Warning from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST Friday, Jan. 16 for the north central and eastern Texas Panhandle, citing elevated fire danger driven by strong winds and low relative humidity.
Forecast conditions include north winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, creating an environment where any new fire could spread rapidly.
As of Jan. 13, data from the U.S. Drought Monitor also showed that the majority of the Texas Panhandle is classified as abnormally dry, further contributing to heightened fire risk across the region.
According to the Drought Monitor, in the southeastern part of the Panhandle, part or all of several counties — including Briscoe, Childress, Collingsworth, Donley, Hall, Swisher and Wheeler — were classified under the next dry stage, or moderate drought.
Long-term bans and new emergency orders
Some counties have remained under burn bans for years due to prolonged drought and fuel conditions.
Castro County currently has the longest active ban in the Panhandle at 1,515 days, dating back to November 2021. Briscoe County follows with 1,431 consecutive days under restriction.
Other counties are responding to more recent winter-driven conditions. Potter and Hutchinson counties are among the newest additions to the list after issuing emergency bans just days ago.
Sherman County, which previously appeared among the few counties without restrictions, has been under a burn ban since November 2025.
Four of the region’s counties currently do not have burn bans in place: Hansford, Ochiltree, Carson and Collingsworth. Collingsworth County commissioners recently met to discuss a potential ban, but no confirmed action has been taken to formally adopt one.
County status was verified using county postings, the Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban map and direct confirmation with local officials where possible. Officials note that burn-ban designations can change quickly based on weather conditions or new county orders.
State response and enforcement
Gov. Greg Abbott renewed a statewide disaster proclamation on Jan. 8 for ongoing fire weather conditions, allowing state resources to support local fire departments as they prepare for heightened risk through late winter and early spring.
Under most local burn bans, outdoor burning — including trash pits and brush piles — is prohibited. Violations are typically classified as Class C misdemeanors and can result in fines of up to $500.
Officials continue to urge residents across the region to avoid activities that could generate sparks, including unsecured trailer chains, parking vehicles in tall grass and improper disposal of smoking materials.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Most Texas Panhandle counties under burn bans as fire risk intensifies
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
