Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas declared a disaster because of the large number of flames in the Panhandle.
People say that these flames are dangerous because of Texas’s high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds. The statement applies to 60 counties, and it has already had an effect on some places, like Pantex, which is where the United States’ nuclear arsenal is stored and handled.
Even though the plant had to shut down, the company released a statement at the same time. Pantex said that there was no damage to the arsenal and that “there is currently no fire on the plant site and emergency personnel continue to monitor the situation.” Pantex said that all of its workers had been found and that “non-essential personnel are no longer on site.”
There were several fires in the Panhandle, and many towns there had to order evacuations. For example, Fritch had to do so because of one of the four fires in the Panhandle area. The Texas First Service said that the fire has already burned 40,000 acres and is only 20% controlled. The Smokehouse Creek fire in Hutchinson County is the biggest. It has burned over 500,000 acres and is not controlled at all.
The Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller, said, “As Agriculture Commissioner, I am very worried about the terrible wildfires that are raging through the Texas Panhandle.” During this difficult time, our thoughts are with them, and we promise to help them get better every step of the way.
The Texas Forest Service thinks there will be a lot more wildfires in the next few weeks. They are ready to fight them and have also put in place safety measures. The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association also has a program to raise money to help people who have been hurt by wildfires, especially those that affect cattle or ranches. Wildfires can be very destructive.
