Gov. Greg Abbott addressed the state’s residents on Friday afternoon to brief them on the Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle, which has spread to 1.1 million acres and is now the largest wildfire in Texas history and the second-largest in U.S. history.
“When you look at the damages that have occurred here, it’s just gone. Completely gone. Nothing left but ashes on the ground,” Abbott said, according to NBC News. “Those who are affected by this have gone through utter devastation. They are going through challenges that others cannot comprehend. They need our ongoing support, our ongoing assistance, and our ongoing prayers.”
Two people have been killed in the blaze. The first was an 87-year-old woman who was unable to flee as the fast-moving blaze overtook her home. The second was a 40-year-old woman authorities said was overtaken by the smoke and flames when she got out of her truck near Canadian.
Abbott said early estimates indicate that at least 500 structures have been lost to the blaze. Several firefighters have also been injured, though reports are that the injuries were not severe.
Ranchers in the Panhandle are also reporting massive losses in cattle due to smoke inhalation and fire. Jason Abraham, owner of the 26,000-acre Mendota Ranch, was using his helicopter to douse the flames.
“I flew my helicopter for eight hours yesterday and never saw a blade of green grass,” Abraham told NBC. “We’ve just lost a million acres, all of my neighbor’s lands are gone.”
A dusting of snow on Thursday helped to dampen the flames, but the Odessa Volunteer Fire Department warned that warmer-than-usual temperatures and gusty winds on Friday would present new challenges to fire crews. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, only 3% of the fire was contained as of Thursday, but by early Friday, 15% had been contained, as per a post on X.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire is one of four active wildfires currently burning in Texas but is by far the largest. It merged with a smaller fire earlier this week and is also burning thousands of acres in Oklahoma. The causes of the fires have not been determined.
“Strong winds and warm temperatures have resulted in grasses drying across many portions of Texas,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “As firefighters continue to suppress active fires, we urge Texans to be cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.”
Abbott announced the deployment of additional state resources and declared disasters in areas impacted by the fire.
“As dangerous wildfires continue to impact the Texas Panhandle, I directed [the Texas Division of Emergency Management] to immediately deploy additional wildfire response resources to ensure the safety of Texans and impacted communities,” Abbott said in a press release Wednesday. “I encourage Texans in affected areas to heed the guidance of local officials and first responders and to take all necessary precautions to keep your family and loved ones safe.”