Current:Home > FinanceTexas wildfire update: Map shows ongoing devastation as blazes engulf over a million acres-LoTradeCoin
Texas wildfire update: Map shows ongoing devastation as blazes engulf over a million acres
View Date:2024-12-23 20:50:42
The Texas wildfires continue to sweep across the state's panhandle and have now burned over a million acres.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire, now the largest in the state's history, was last reported to be burning across 1,076,638 acres, according to Texas A&M Forest Service's post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Although it has shrank from its initial size, the fire is still only 15% contained.
The agency states that the fire's acreage will continue to change as mapping becomes more accurate. "Firefighters continue suppression actions on the fire," states the post.
The warm, dry weather in the area has proved to be an obstacle as firefighters battle the blazes. But conditions are expected to improve today as a cold front is expected to move across the state's rural Panhandle early Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Where are the wildfires in Texas?Map, graphics shows extent of devastation
Where are the Texas wildfires?
According to the latest data provided by the Texas A&M Forest Service, there are six active fires in the state:
- Smokehouse Creek — Hutchinson County, 1,076,638 acres, 15% contained
- Windy Deuce — Moore County, 144,206 acres, 55% contained
- Grape Vine Creek — Gray County, 34,882 acres, 60% contained
- Magenta — Oldham County, 3,297 acres, 85% contained
- 687 Reamer — Hutchinson County, 2,000 acres, 10% contained
- Roughneck — Hutchinson County, 300 acres, 25% contained
Texas wildfire maps
Burn bans issued in Texas
There are 65 counties in the state, mainly in its panhandle and western border, that are under burn bans due to the wildfires and drought conditions.
In a post on X, FEMA warned that wildfire danger is high not only in Texas but also Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana.
The agency is asking people to check local burn bans and reg flag warnings in their area.
Texas wildfires have caused 2 deaths
So far, two deaths have been confirmed from the fire.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Chris Ray, Cindy Owen, who was driving in Hemphill County when she encountered the fire or smoke from it on Tuesday afternoon. She got out of her truck, and the flames overtook her.
Joyce Blankenship, 83, was identified by family members. According to her grandson, Lee Quesada, deputies told his uncle that the former substitute teacher's remains were found Wednesday in her home, which was burned.
In addition to human lives lost, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller predicts there could be around 10,000 cattle deaths due to the fire. But, this number is not confirmed.
Texas governor, Greg Abbott, said on Friday that he believes wildfires destroyed around 500 structures, reports NPR.
“The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy," said Abbott in a statement.
Contributing: Ahjané Forbes, Thao Nguyen
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.
veryGood! (935)
Related
- Don't Miss Cameron Diaz's Return to the Big Screen Alongside Jamie Foxx in Back in Action Trailer
- Israel plans to build thousands more West Bank settlement homes after shooting attack, official says
- Independent Spirit Awards 2024: 'Past Lives,' 'American Fiction' and 'The Holdovers' take home top honors
- NFL scouting combine 2024: How to watch workouts for NFL draft prospects
- Kentucky woman seeking abortion files lawsuit over state bans
- No retirement plan, no problem: These states set up automatic IRAs for workers
- Magnitude 4.9 earthquake shakes Idaho, but no injuries reported
- 'Just so excited man': Chicago Cubs thrilled about return of free agent Cody Bellinger
- ‘COP Fatigue’: Experts Warn That Size and Spectacle of Global Climate Summit Is Hindering Progress
- NASCAR Atlanta race ends in wild photo finish; Daniel Suarez tops Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch
Ranking
- Oprah Winfrey denies being paid $1M for Kamala Harris rally: 'I was not paid a dime'
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, Feb. 25, 2024
- Economists see brighter outlook for 2024. Here's why.
- Peter Anthony Morgan, lead singer of reggae band Morgan Heritage, dies at age 46
- California farmers enjoy pistachio boom, with much of it headed to China
- Bradley Cooper Proves He Is Gigi Hadid’s Biggest Supporter During NYC Shopping Trip
- Duke coach Jon Scheyer calls on ACC to address court storming after Kyle Filipowski injury
- Why so much of the US is unseasonably hot
Recommendation
-
'Cowboy Carter' collaborators to be first country artists to perform at Rolling Loud
-
'Just so excited man': Chicago Cubs thrilled about return of free agent Cody Bellinger
-
US government may sue PacifiCorp, a Warren Buffett utility, for nearly $1B in wildfire costs
-
Donald Trump appeals $454 million judgment in New York civil fraud case
-
Democratic state leaders prepare for a tougher time countering Trump in his second term
-
Idaho to execute Thomas Creech, infamous serial killer linked to at least 11 deaths
-
Kenneth Mitchell, 'Star Trek: Discovery' actor, dies after battle with ALS
-
Veteran NFL reporter and columnist Peter King announces his retirement