West Texas fire becomes 2nd largest in state history, 1 death confirmed | Wednesday recap
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Note: This file is no longer being updated. For the latest updates Thursday on the Texas wildfires, go to our Thursday live updates.
A fire in West Texas has been raging for two days and has become the second-largest fire in Texas history, with little sign of stopping anytime soon.
With the Smokehouse Creek Fire growing to 850,000 acres in the Texas Panhandle region and several new fires popping up, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has upgraded the Texas State Emergency Operations Center readiness level and allowed more resources to be deployed to the impacted areas.
For a time, the residents from north of Amarillo to two hours south of the city complained of the smell of smoke to the point that the air quality in Amarillo and Lubbock became classified as unhealthy for individuals to breathe.
With local support pouring in and donations being made to help those impacted and displaced by the fires, here's what we know and how you can help.
Editor's note: All data is current as of 11:50 p.m. Wednesday.
Texas Wildfire Map
Where are the wildfires in Texas? How big are they?
There are currently 5 active fires in the Texas Panhandle region, according to the Texas Fire Map.
The largest one is Smokehouse Creek, north of Amarillo, at 850,000 acres, with 3% of it being contained. Here are the others:
Grape Vine Creek Fire — 30,000 acres with 60% contained.
Windy Deuce Fire — 142,000 acres with 30% contained.
Magenta Fire — 2,500 acres with 40% contained.
687 Reamer Fire — 2,000 acres with 10% contained.
In total, all five fires have scorched over a million acres in the Texas panhandle.
What is the Texas Panhandle?
The Texas Panhandle is the 26 counties that border Oklahoma and New Mexico on the northwest of the state. The largest city within the 26 counties is Amarillo, which has a population of over 200,000 people.
What's the air quality like in West Texas?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reporting Amarillo air quality to be classified as good and is forecasted to remain the same throughout the day.
Full story: West Texas fires reducing air quality to unhealthy levels. Here's how to stay safe:
As for Lubbock, south of Amarillo and the Panhandle region, the air quality is moderate, with the advisory to limit outdoor activities. The air forecast predicts Lubbock air quality will return to a good status later in the day.
Has Gov. Greg Abbott issued an emergency declaration?
Yes, he issued an emergency declaration on Tuesday listing the 60 counties in the Panhandle, Plains, and Wichita Falls area, directing state resources to aid firefighting help.
More: Five fires engulf Panhandle, scorching 580,000 acres with no sign of slowing
Wednesday afternoon, Abbott authorized additional resources to be deployed to the affected areas through the Texas Department of Emergency Management. He also instructed the Texas State Emergency Operations Center on readiness for Level 2 — Escalated Response.
Biggest wildfires in Texas history
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the East Amarillo Complex Fire in the Texas Panhandle was the largest fire. The fire started on March 3, 2006, and consumed over 907,245 acres.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire is currently the second-largest fire in Texas history. It surpassed the 1988 fire named the Big Country Fire, which scorched 366,000 acres.
How did the Windy Deuce Fire get its name?
Unlike hurricanes that get their names from a predetermined list, the Texas A&M Forest Service names wildfires based on geographical locations, according to its website.
These names are selected by first responders, incident commanders and dispatchers responding to the fire.
How did the Smokehouse Creek fire start?
Officials have not stated how the fires started but that weather conditions are aiding in the spread of the fire.
Has anyone died from the Texas fires?
USA Today confirmed through officials the death of Joyce Blankenship, a former substitute teacher in Hutchinson County. According to the article, Blakenship's remains were found in her burned house.
How can I help those being impacted?
There are numerous ways to help those being impacted by the fire.
More: How to help: Ways to provide assistance after wildfires impact West Texas
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas panhandle fires: Maps of current wildfires, latest updates
