This story has been updated with additional information.
Relief efforts are expanding across the Texas Panhandle as wildfires continue burning across the High Plains as of Thursday afternoon, Feb. 19, prompting emergency declarations, evacuations in threatened areas and new assistance programs for residents and agricultural producers.
The Texas A&M Forest Service increased the estimated size of the Lavender fire burning in Oldham and Potter counties to about 18,400 acres.
The Amarillo Area Foundation has activated the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund to help residents affected by the fires. Donations can be made through the Amarillo Area Foundation website at https://www.amarilloareafoundation.org.
At the state level, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller declared an agricultural emergency and urged Texans to support the State of Texas Agriculture Relief, or STAR, Fund while encouraging impacted producers to apply for aid.
“Texans always rise for neighbors in crisis,” Miller said in a statement. “I’m calling on individuals, businesses and groups statewide to fuel the STAR Fund to help sustain the backbone of our food, fiber and fuel supply.”
In Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency Wednesday following multiple wildfires across the state.
Red Cross assisting evacuees
The American Red Cross Panhandle Plains Chapter has deployed disaster teams to support evacuation sites, provide meals and prepare shelters if needed.
A shelter previously operated at The Church at Bushland closed at noon Wednesday after evacuation orders were lifted overnight.
The organization said it provided meals to residents and firefighters in the Bushland community and remains in coordination with local partners and officials while shifting toward damage assessments and continued response readiness.
Residents needing assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Red Cross officials warned wildfires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to react. The organization encourages residents to prepare a go-kit with several days of food, water and medications, keep vehicle fuel tanks full and monitor local alerts and evacuation routes.
People should leave immediately if they feel unsafe, limit exposure to smoke by keeping windows and doors closed and not return home until authorities say it is safe. The Red Cross also recommends downloading its emergency mobile app for real-time alerts and shelter information.
Reporting property damage
Officials in Borger and Hutchinson County, as well as the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management, are asking residents impacted by high winds and wildfire conditions to complete the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s iSTAT damage survey at https://damage.tdem.texas.gov.
Emergency officials use the survey to identify damaged homes and businesses, guide cleanup and recovery efforts and determine community needs. The survey is available in multiple languages.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) ahead of the critical wildfire danger.
Help for farmers and ranchers
The Texas Department of Agriculture has activated several assistance programs for agricultural producers.
The privately funded STAR Fund provides recovery grants to help repair or rebuild agricultural infrastructure. Donations and applications are available through the Texas Department of Agriculture’s STAR Fund website.
Ranchers needing feed can use the Hay and Feed Hotline at 877-429-1998 to connect with suppliers and donors.
Mental-health support is also available through the AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-2474.
“Panhandle families are reeling from these fires, but Texas stands united,” Miller said. “We are activating every tool to get our agriculture heroes back in action.”
Fires burning across region
The wildfire activity began Tuesday as critical fire weather returned to the area. As of Thursday afternoon, several fires remained active, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service:
Across the Oklahoma and Kansas border:
Fire danger continues
A red flag warning remained in effect Thursday as critical fire weather persisted across the region. While winds were lower than earlier in the week, gusts up to 40 mph were expected — conditions capable of spreading fires quickly — as a cold front moved through the area.
Winds are not expected to ease Friday in Amarillo, where sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph are forecast.
Wildfires have caused significant agricultural losses across the Panhandle and West Texas, affecting livestock operations and rural communities.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Wildfire relief expands across Panhandle as winds persist
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
