Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster as relentless wildfires, fueled by winds exceeding 65 miles per hour, continue to advance across the state rapidly. The fires initially erupted on Monday, exacerbated by warm, dry, and windy conditions, particularly in the panhandle region.
The city of Canada, located in Texas, was the first to initiate evacuation procedures and implement shelter-in-place measures in response to the escalating threat. With the persistent combination of high temperatures and gusty winds on Tuesday, an increased risk of grass fires is looming for areas situated west and along the I-35 corridor. Residents are strongly advised to refrain from outdoor activities to ensure their safety.
As the crisis unfolds, the Texas A&M Forest Service anticipates a surge in wildfire activity in the coming weeks. Five active wildfires are wreaking havoc in northern Texas and parts of Oklahoma. The most significant among them, the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County, has engulfed a staggering 40,000 acres and remains uncontained at 0%. Additionally, the primary Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County, Texas, has scorched approximately 30,000 acres, with containment efforts at 15%.
Tuesday’s strong winds have propelled the Smokehouse Creek Fire to witness an alarming growth of an estimated 200,000 acres, while the Grape Vine Creek Fire has remained at 30,000 acres. In response to the escalating danger, Canadian, Glazier, and Higgins residents have received evacuation orders from Texas officials.
Notable Wildfires in Texas History
Reliable records of wildfires in Texas date back only to the 1980s, providing a limited but informative window into the occurrence of some of the most devastating events. Notably, “complex fires” represent sets of fires burning closely together, managed collectively. 2011 is one of Texas’s worst, witnessing over 30,000 reported fires and nearly 4 million acres scorching.
The East Amarillo Complex Fire, which ignited on March 12, 2006, holds the dubious distinction of being the largest complex fire in Texas since records have been maintained. Covering a staggering 907,245 acres across nine counties in the Texas Panhandle, this inferno, fueled by strong winds and exceedingly dry conditions, claimed the lives of 12 people.
In September 2011, the Bastrop County Complex Fire etched its name in Texas history as the costliest wildfire, burning 1,673 homes and causing two fatalities. Gusty winds, toppling power lines, ignited the blaze, consuming over 34,000 acres, predominantly pine forest. The fire’s containment required nearly three weeks, with extensive coverage by KSAT due to its proximity.
Examining climatology data reveals a significant correlation between destructive wildfires and La Niña years. Despite constituting only 3% of all wildfires since 2005, La Niña years are responsible for a staggering 49% of the total acres burned. The current stretch of drought years sets the stage for a potentially busy wildfire season, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures in the face of this ongoing threat.
