After days of outbreaks, as of 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, the last remaining fire considered active in the Texas Panhandle was 80% contained.
All other wildfires — more than a dozen on the Texas A&M Forest Service map, as well as countless other smaller ones first responders raced to control — were reported fully contained. The most recent round of fires first sparked Thursday, May 14, from dry lightning as severe storms rolled through during critical fire weather.
The Stinky Fire, which began at the Amarillo city landfill northwest of the city and spread into nearby neighborhoods during high winds, was an estimated 2,335 acres. It caused extensive damage in the area.
“It has been a devasting, long few days,” Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas said in a post shared on Facebook. “I want to express our sincere condolences to those in the area of Dowell Rd/ Eagle Tree and the Bishop Estates/Hills area, for several have damage, several have lost everything. I want you all to know that the Potter County Sheriff’s Office will continue to be seen in these areas for safety and security. Our patrol officers will be required to be making runs through all of the areas for several weeks. These areas are very active with Xcel, First Responders and lots of out of county state and federal fire investigators getting assessments of the damage, so PLEASE be mindful of these folks as they drive around the areas.”
Thomas urged residents to report any possible strangers in the area to their office at 806-379-2900 with a description and location to discourage any looters or onlookers from being in the burn zones.
“We are there for your safety and we want to prevent anyone looting in the area for sure. If you don’t live in these areas we are asking you to stay out, we do not need lookers in the area on top of all the first responders and workers that are present! Know that we are here and a phone call away,” he said. “Most of the command will be released later today several of us have worked many hours some for 24 to 36 hours, HOWEVER we will be there to watch your places! So please if you see anyone that does not belong report them.”
Thomas went on to thank all the agencies that have responded to the fire, including Potter County Fire-Rescue, Amarillo Fire Department, Amarillo Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety – Northwest Texas Region, Texas Game Wardens, Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management, Potter County – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services and any he may have missed some.
“We appreciate all the help, and all that help feed the hungry souls as they continued to work,” he said.
Firefighters working to patrol, mop up fire in Potter County
The fire started around 4:24 p.m. May 17 approximately 3.5 miles northeast of Bushland, and was initially responded to by local fire departments, the Texas A&M Forest Service said. On Tuesday, a contingency containment line was constructed south of the landfill, and an infrared flight was flown over the fire during the day to identify any potential areas of heat. Resources worked to extinguish any areas of heat near the containment line. Wednesday, firefighters were working to continue to patrol and mop-up the fire. Areas in need of rehabilitation will be identified for work by heavy equipment. A motor grader was engaged in rehabilitating line on the left flank of the fire.
Crews will continue the work of mopping-up and patrolling the fire to mitigate any threats. Wednesday’s weather was expected to bring cool and moist conditions through the entire day, with rain showers and thunderstorms having a moderate chance (50-70%) of impacting the fire area this afternoon.
Official figures for destroyed structures, vehicles and houses were still being determined.
Hunggate Fire officially contained in Randall County
The Hunggate Fire, which burned 34,131 acres southwest of Canyon, was fully contained as of 6:18 p.m. May 19, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. A railroad trestle bridge, which was destroyed in the fire, has already been rebuilt and put into service.
“The Hungate fire is now at 100% containment and has been FMAG approved by Gov. Abbott,” the Canyon Fire Department shared in a Facebook post. “Canyon Fire Department extends a big THANK YOU for all the support we’ve received since the Hungate fire ignited last Thursday! From Departments bringing equipment and manpower, citizen donations of food, water, and snacks, etc., and the members wives and friends that helped out at the station to manage donations and keep us fueled up and ready to return to the line! We were overwhelmed to say the least.”
For residents who need help
211 of the Texas Panhandle shared on social media that anyone who was affected by the recent fires — whether or not they lost their homes — may qualify for disaster recovery assistance and support services.
“Preliminary reports indicate more than 50 homes have been lost, with many additional families impacted by smoke damage, displacement, utility loss, property damage, and other hardships,” the Facebook post reads.
The first step in the process is to fill out the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) iSTAT Damage Survey and request VOAD assistance. Through VOAD assistance requests, survivors may be connected to clothing, hygiene products, baby items, towels and blankets, temporary food boxes, clean-up crews, help replacing important documents, insurance navigation assistance, temporary housing resources and other unmet disaster-related needs.
People who have not already been contacted by the American Red Cross can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) to seek financial assistance for immediate needs such as clothing, hygiene items, food, towels, paper goods, medications, and other essentials. Opening a case with the Red Cross does not replace completing the TDEM iSTAT survey.
Texas Panhandle VOAD has partnered with Airbnb.org to potentially provide at least 28 days of temporary housing for eligible survivors. Additional assistance may also be available based on need. A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be set up Saturday, May 23 at a location to be announced.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Fire near Amarillo 80% contained, residents asked to be on lookout
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
