A Texas town was helpless to watch as the largest wildfire in state history engulfed it
LA TimesHunter Cooper helps clean up the Sanchez residence in the snow in Canadian, Texas. Strong winds, relatively low humidity and dry conditions are creating conditions that the weather service said are “resulting in a significant threat for the rapid spread of wildfires.” Crews will focus on the northern edge of the Smokehouse Creek fire and areas around structures, the forest service said. “We’re just hitting all the hot spots around town, the houses that have already burned.” Authorities have not said what ignited the fires, but strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm weather fed them. “The rain and the snow is beneficial right now — we’re using it to our advantage,” Texas A&M Forest Service spokesperson Juan Rodriguez said of the Smokehouse Creek fire. “When the fire isn’t blowing up and moving very fast, firefighters are able to actually catch up and get to those parts of the fire.” Previously, the largest fire in recorded state history was the 2006 East Amarillo Complex fire, which burned about 1,400 square miles and left 13 people dead.
History of this topic
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CNN
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The Independent
Texas firefighters closer to extinguishing Panhandle wildfires
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The worst wildfire in Texas' history has a complex link with climate change
BBC
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Raw Story
Influx of firefighters, cooler weather help keep Texas Panhandle wildfires in check
LA TimesFirefighters keep up battle to stamp out largest wildfire in Texas history
Associated Press
Firefighters face difficult weather conditions as they battle the largest wildfire in Texas history
LA TimesGov. Abbott says Texas wildfires may have destroyed up to 500 structures
Associated Press
Texas town burned in Smokehouse Creek blaze suffered wildfire a decade ago
The Independent
Texas wildfire: Hundreds of structures destroyed as biggest wildfire in state history could spread more rapidly
CNN
Texas wildfire: Biggest fire in state history could worsen with strong winds, dry weather
CNN
A Wildfire Scorching The Texas Panhandle Has Grown To The Largest In State History
Huff PostTexas battles historic wildfires as snow covers scorched land in the Panhandle
Associated Press
Flames menace multiple towns as wildfire grows into one of the largest in Texas history
The Independent
Massive wildfire continues scorching over 1 million acres in Texas Panhandle, more danger ahead
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Texas wildfire grows into second-largest in state history, briefly shuts down nuclear weapons facility
Hindustan Times
Wildfires ravage Texas panhandle, emergency declared
Hindustan TimesTexas Panhandle wildfire grows into one of largest in state's history
Associated Press
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The Independent
Evacuation order lifted as Texas wildfires burn amid heat
The Independent
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New Indian Express
