Multiple fires in areas of the High Plains

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After sparking across the High Plains throughout Monday afternoon, multiple wildfires around the Texas Panhandle region were still burning into Friday morning, especially in Potter, Moore, Hutchinson, Roberts, and Gray counties.

As of Friday morning, the “Smokehouse Creek” fire impacting Hutchinson, Roberts, Hemphill and other counties, as well as parts of Oklahoma, was estimated to cover more than 1 million acres at 5% containment, officially marking it as the largest wildfire in Texas history. Officials noted the “687 Reamer” fire in Hutchinson County burned into the “Smokehouse Creek” fire, and began considering the two combined as of Thursday.

The active fires as of 10:30 a.m. on Friday included:

• “ Smokehouse Creek ” fire in Hutchinson County, estimated at 1,078,086 acres, 15% contained
  • The “687 Reamer” fire in Hutchinson County burned into the “Smokehouse Creek” fire and has been included in the total acres.
  • The Oklahoma Forestry Services reported that the portion of the “Smokehouse Creek” fire in Oklahoma was estimated at about 31,590 acres and was considered 40% contained.
• “Windy Deuce” fire in Moore County, estimated at 142,000 acres, 60% contained
• “Magenta” fire in Oldham County, estimated at 3,300 acres, 85% contained
• “Grape Vine Creek’ fire in Gray County, estimated at 30,000 acres, 60% contained

As of 8:45 a.m. on Friday, the Oklahoma Forestry Services noted that active fires included:

• “Slapout Fire” in Beaver County, estimated 26,048 acres, 45% contained

Updates: Friday, March 1

Update: Friday, 8 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that the “Smokehouse Creek” fire in Hutchinson County, now considered the largest in Texas history, did not grow in size on Thursday in part due to rain and snow in the region. Firefighting crews are expected to turn their focus to the northern edge of the fire, located near the borders of Ochiltree and Lipscomb counties, as well as areas around structures.

Further, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, as well as other state and local officials are expected to receive a briefing on the state wildfire response on Friday afternoon and hold a press conference in Borger.

Update: Friday, 6:30 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported on Friday morning that the “Smokehouse Creek” fire covering multiple counties across the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles was estimated to have burned 1,075,000 acres and was considered 5% contained, entering the fifth day that the High Plains region has reckoned with multiple widespread active wildfires.

As of Friday, two people were confirmed to have died due to the wildfires in the region.

83-year-old Joyce Blankenship was identified by family members as one of the women confirmed to have been killed by the wildfires, who was found dead in her burned home.

Also reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety and her family members, Cindy Owen was driving in Hemphill County on Tuesday when she encountered the wildfires in the area; she was injured when she left her truck and was taken to a burn unit in Oklahoma, and died on Thursday due to her injuries.

The City of Pampa also reported that two firefighters were injured on Monday while working to fight the “Grape Vine Creek” fire in Gray County.

While two deaths and at least two injuries had been confirmed as of Friday morning, those numbers could rise in the coming days both as the fires continue to burn and as authorities conduct thorough searches of the impacted areas.

Further, the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster Serving the Texas Panhandle announced that it will have a disaster assistance center open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday in Borger to offer resources and aid to community members impacted by the wildfires.

Updates: Thursday, Feb. 2 9

Update: Thursday, 9:31 p.m.

Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the Windy Deuce fire in Moore County has burned about 142,000 acres and is 55% contained. Officials said the evacuation order was reduced to a voluntary evacuation with checkpoints for affected areas. Firefighters continued to work in the snow and are patrolling the area and improving containment lines.

Update: Thursday, 5:16 p.m.

The Wheeler County Emergency Management reports that the fire that burned into Wheeler County destroyed two homes and burned about 5,000 acres.

Update: Thursday, 4:29 p.m.

A second death was confirmed as a result of the fires that burned across the High Plains. Family of Cindy Owens have confirmed that she died as a result of injuries sustained in the fires in Gray County. She was taken to a burn unit in Oklahoma City where she succumbed to her injuries.

Update: Thursday 8:10 a.m.

The Roberts County Sheriff’s Office reports that FM 283 for Quarter Horse Road to the 282/283 Y is closed due to a fire at Bluff Creek.

Update: Thursday, 1:30 a.m.

According to Associated Press News , “The woman who died was identified by family members as Joyce Blankenship, a former substitute teacher. Her grandson, Lee Quesada, said he had posted in a community forum asking if anyone could try and locate her. Quesada said deputies told his uncle on Wednesday that they had found Blankenship’s remains in her burned home.”

Officials from the City of Borger confirmed Blankenship’s death on Wednesday, marking the first confirmed death due to the ongoing wildfires in the region.

Updates: Wednesday, Feb. 2 8

Update: Wednesday, 11:50 p.m.

The American Red Cross Greater North Texas announced that it has shelters in place for those impacted by the Panhandle wildfires and need a safe place to eat, sleep and begin to recover.

Open Red Cross shelters include:

• Johnson Youth Center at 1201 Bulldog Blvd. in Borger
• Wheeler Activity Center at 501 Corsicana St. in Wellington

For the most current list of open shelters go to http://redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS 800-733-2767.

Update: Wednesday, 9:12 p.m.

According to Suzanne Talley from the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle report that 1 Lefors and 2 Pampa firefighters sustained injuries on Monday. Both were taken to a Lubbock hospital with burn injuries and are now recovering.

Update: Wednesday, 9:00 p.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service detailed that the “Magenta Fire” in Oldham County is an estimated 2,500 acres and 65% contained. Officials said dozers and motor graders are currently building and improving containment line around the fire perimeter.

Update: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

According to the City of Borger’s Public Information Officer, Brandon Strope there has been one confirmed death from the Texas wildfires, no further information was given.

Update: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

According to Texas A&M Forest Service Facebook post, TFS has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3 after an increase in large, active wildfires as well as increased need for resources.

Officials detailed that dry conditions and above normal temperatures have resulted in areas of underlying dryness. TFS said, “With the addition of increased wind speeds, the fire environment is expected to support wildfire activity over the next few weeks.”

Update: Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Officials with the City of Borger / Hutchinson County OEM announced that Highway 136 from Fritch to Amarillo is now open.

Update: Wednesday, 1:20 p.m.

The Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management held an update conference for the community on Wednesday amid continued efforts to respond to wildfires in the region, including the “Windy Deuce” fire north of the city that caused temporary evacuations on Tuesday night in Potter County and has closed Highway 136 to traffic.

This update comes after community members north of Amarillo in the Mesilla Park area were evacuated on Tuesday night, with that evacuation order cleared at around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Officials advised that community members in the Texas Panhandle region who have sustained property damage due to the ongoing wildfires report the damage through the Texas Division of Emergency Management iSTAT Damage Survey, with the incident number 24001.

Officials further noticed that while some minor precipitation has been forecasted for the week, warm temperatures and high winds will likely continue fire-dangerous weather into the weekend and next week without much relief from the conditions that contributed to the current wildfire conditions.

Update: Wednesday, 12 p.m.

On Wednesday, officials with the Borger Office of Emergency Management in Hutchinson County offered an update on the status of road closures and the ongoing wildfire response efforts in the area.

According to Borger area officials, Highway 136 from Fritch to Amarillo remained closed on Wednesday. However, multiple other roads were opened, including:

• FM 687 from Fritch to Stinnett;
• Highway 207 from Borger to Panhandle;
• Highway 136 from Borger to Stinnett;
• Highway 152 from Borger to Pampa; and
• Highway 152 from Stinnett to Dumas.

Officials noted that at least 20 structures were confirmed to have been impacted by the fires as well as area ranchland. Area officials further noted that they have been particularly focused on Wednesday with efforts to restore power and water services to the area.

“Smokehouse Creek” fire in Hutchinson/Roberts/Hemphill County – 850,000 acres, 3% contained

Update: Wednesday, 9:20 a.m.

As of 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday, a number of evacuations and road closures related to the “Smokehouse Creek” fire in the Hutchinson County area and “Windy Deuce” fire in Moore County were active, including:

• Armstrong County
  • Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the “Juliet Pass” Fire burned an estimated 2,963 acres and is 100% contained.
• Carson County
  • Carson County Emergency Management said an evacuation was issued for remaining residents in Fritch who reside in Carson County. The Johnson Youth Center at 1201 Borger Blvd in Borger is open for residents said officials.
• Hutchinson County
  • Sanford and Bugbee are evacuating to Celebration Family Church.
  • State Highway 136 from Fritch to Borger and from Borger to Amarillo is closed in both directions.
  • RM 687 from Fritch, Sanford, and Stinnett is closed in both directions.
• Hemphill County
  • The Texas Department of Transportation Amarillo division reports that US 60, US 83, and SH 33 are closed.
  • A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Canadian and the surrounding area according to the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said to use U.S. 83 going south. A shelter has been set up at the Wheeler Agri Life Building at 7939 U.S. 83
• Roberts County
  • The Roberts County Sheriff’s Office reports that Miami/Roberts County evacuation was lifted.
• Oldham County
  • Officials with Texas A&M Forest Service have named the fire the “Magenta” Fire, as of 12:00 a.m. Wednesday the fire has burned about 2,000 acres and is 10% contained.
  • Oldham County Emergency Management reports that the Oldham County Community Center on 304 Vega Blvd will serve as a shelter for those evacuating in the Boys Ranch area.
• Wheeler County
  • Wednesday 4:05 a.m.: Officials report that the evacuations have been lifted for Allison, Kelton, and Briscoe. Residents returning are urged to use caution when returning as first responders are still working.

Update: Wednesday, 8:20 a.m.

The Canadian Record noted on social media that the Hemphill County Judge reported on Wednesday morning that the highways into Canadian are open and residents can now return home.

The judge added that North Plains Electric has sent crews to Canadian and Glazier to work on restoring the power in the area. Further, the judge requested that donations stop at this time “until we know what our needs are.”

A call line will be set up for residents to call and detail their specific needs, the judge detailed.

Update: Wednesday, 7:42 p.m.

• Hutchinson County
  • The city of Borger announced on its Facebook page that there is no active evacuation for the Fritch area.

Update: Wednesday, 4:11 p.m.

• Carson County
  • Skellytown evacuations have been lifted.
• Hutchinson County
  • All Hutchinson evacuations north of Highway 136 in Fritch and further north have been lifted.
  • All areas south of Highway 136/Broadway are still evacuated. City officials noted this is a safety precaution due to hotspots and small areas still burning. The City of Fritch officials said that crews are assessing the damage and evaluating the area.
  • City officials of Fritch said that law enforcement is directing traffic in the area and asks the public to do as advised for safety. First responders are working in the area.

Update: Wednesday, 1:45 a.m.

As of 1:44 a.m. on Wednesday, a number of evacuations and road closures related to the “Smokehouse Creek” fire in the Hutchinson County area and “Windy Deuce” fire in Moore County were active, including:

• Armstrong County
  • Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the “Juliet Pass” Fire burned an estimated 2,963 acres and is 100% contained.
• Carson County
  • Carson County Emergency Management said an evacuation was issued for remaining residents in Fritch who reside in Carson County. The Johnson Youth Center at 1201 Borger Blvd in Borger is open for residents said officials.
• Hutchinson County
  • State Highway 136 from Fritch to Borger is closed in both directions.
  • RM 687 from Fritch, Sanford, and Stinnett is closed in both directions.
  • Sanford and Bugbee is evacuating to Celebration Family Church.
• Hemphill County
  • The Texas Department of Transportation Amarillo division reports that US 60, US 83, and SH 33 are closed.
  • A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Canadian and the surrounding area according to the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said to use U.S. 83 going south. A shelter has been set up at the Wheeler Agri Life Building at 7939 U.S. 83
• Roberts County
  • The Roberts County Sheriff’s Office reports that Miami/Roberts County evacuation was lifted.
• Oldham County
  • Officials with Texas A&M Forest Service have named the fire the “Magenta” Fire, as of 12:00 a.m. Wednesday the fire has burned about 2,000 acres and is 10% contained.
  • Oldham County Emergency Management reports that the Oldham County Community Center on 304 Vega Blvd will serve as a shelter for those evacuating in the Boys Ranch area.
• Wheeler County
  • As of 9 a.m. on Wednesday, all evacuations were lifted for Wheeler County. However, officials advised community members to use caution when returning to the county and be aware of first responders still working the fires, as well as loose livestock and possible downed power lines.

“Grape Vine Creek” fire in Gray County – 30,000 acres, 60% contained

Update: Wednesday, 10 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service on Wednesday morning said that the “Grape Vine Creek” fire burning in Gray County was estimated to have burned 30,000 acres and was considered 60% contained.

“Windy Deuce” fire in Moore/Potter County – 142,000 acres, 30% contained

Update: Wednesday, 5:05 p.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service announced that the “Windy Deuce” fire is now estimated at 142,000 acres and 30% contained.

Update: Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service announced that on Wednesday morning, the “Windy Deuce” fire was estimated at 90,000 acres and 25% contained.

Update: Wednesday, 2:05 a.m.

Officials with Amarillo OEM report that the evacuation order for the areas northeast of Amarillo including Mesilla Park and Stinnett Rd. and 136 has been lifted and residents are able to return home.

The Amarillo OEM said for people to avoid areas with first responders and allow them room to work.

Update: Tuesday, 11:46 p.m.

Officials with the Amarillo Fire Department report that the forward progression of the fire that was starting to make its way south through Potter County has begun to slow.

AFD said its crews are working to hold the fire near 136 and 293.

Update: Tuesday, 10:29 p.m.

Randall County, Potter County, and the City of Amarillo have declared a local state of disaster.

Update: Tuesday 9:33 p.m.

An evacuation has been issued for the Mesilla Park area in Potter County. The Amarillo Fire Department reports that its Ambus has been deployed to River Road High School for anyone in need of shelter. Officials said the River Road High School gym is open for evacuees of affected areas.

Update: Tuesday 9:26 p.m.

The Potter County Fire and Rescue team announced on its Facebook page that Stinnett Rd. and 136 northeast of Amarillo will be evacuated

Updates: Tuesday, Feb. 27

“Smokehouse Creek” fire in Hutchinson/Roberts/Hemphill County – 300,000 acres, 0% contained

As of 7:56 p.m. on Tuesday, a number of evacuations and road closures related to the “Smokehouse Creek” fire in the Hutchinson County area were active, including:

• Armstrong County
  • Texas A&M Forest Service report that the “Juliet Pass” Fire burned an estimated 2,963 acres and is 100% contained.
• Carson County
  • The Pantex Plant reports that Pantex personnel are constructing a fire barrier in order to effort protection of plant facilities.
  • Carson County Emergency Management said an evacuation was issued for remaining residents in Fritch who reside in Carson County. The Johnson Youth Center at 1201 Borger Blvd in Borger is open for residents said officials.
  • The Pantex Plant has issued an evacuation of the plant at 6:30 p.m. for non-essential personnel at the site including swing shifts. “Please check routes as you leave the plant to ensure you do not drive into the fire danger. Graveyard shift for Feb. 27 is canceled for all nonessential personnel,” said officials.
• Hutchinson County
  • TxDOT reports that traffic has opened on SH 207 from Borger to Panhandle.
  • Sanford and Bugbee is evacuating to Celebration Family Church.
  • Officials with the City of Borger said the Frank Phillips College Rodeo Arena is open for evacuated livestock.
  • The City of Borger/Hutchinson County OEM reports that the area near 687 towards “Big Creek” in the Borger area is being evacuated.
  • 207 out of Borger and North out of Panhandle were shutdown.
  • The City of Borger/Hutchinson County OEM reports that Meadowlark back towards Marcy Drive in the southwest part of Borger in the Bunavista part of the city is being evacuated.
  • Highway 136 and Scott’s Acres are under evacuation
  • The City of Fritch announced evacuations for the Double Diamond area, the Arrowhead addition and the Maverick Village.
    • The evacuation shelter was reported open at Celebration Family Church. 811 E. Broadway in Fritch.
  • The City of Borger announced that Highway 136 at Lakeview westbound was closed, with traffic redirected to the east.
• Hemphill County
  • The Texas Department of Transportation Amarillo division reports that US 60, US 83, and SH 33 are closed.
  • A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Canadian and the surrounding area according to the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said to use U.S. 83 going south. A shelter has been set up at the Wheeler Agri Life Building at 7939 U.S. 83
  • Highway 83 at the oasis was closed with no northbound traffic; and
  • Residents on South River Road and Highway 83 North were advised to evacuate.
    • Hemphill County officials advised the evacuation route will be south to the Wheeler County AgriLife Center.
• Gray County
  • Skellytown has lifted its evacuation order.
  • The city of Pampa announced the suggested evacuation for the city has been lifted but also said that personnel are still fighting the fire.
  • The city of Pampa said it is suggesting a voluntary evacuation. Officials note that residents who do evacuate should go south on 70 to I-40 and go to the Amarillo area or Clarendon. Buses will be at MK Brown if those evacuating need assistance.
  • The city of Skellytown is asking residents to evacuate to Pampa.
  • Officials with the City of Pampa report that the Gray County Sheriff’s Department is going door to door to “suggest” an evacuation for those north of County Line Road on Highway 70. Officials note that the City of Pampa is not evacuating.
• Roberts County
  • The Roberts County Sheriff’s Office reports that a mandatory evacuation order was issued for southeast Roberts County. That order includes the town of Miami. A shelter was arranged at the First Baptist Church of Pampa.
  • Residents in the North River Road area were advised to evacuate.
• Ochiltree County
  • The Ochiltreen County Sheriff’s Office reports that Highway 70 and 83 are open. Highway 60 to Amarillo is still closed.
• Oldham County
  • Officials with Texas A&M Forest Service have named the fire the “Magenta” Fire, as of 12:00 a.m. Wednesday the fire has burned about 2,000 acres and is 10% contained.
  • A fire was reported in Oldham County.
  • Oldham County Emergency Management reports that the Oldham County Community Center on 304 Vega Blvd will serve as a shelter for those evacuating in the Boys Ranch area.
  • The Oldham County Sheriff’s Office said 385 is shut down at 1061 and 385 due to the fire reported in Oldham County.
• Lipscomb County
  • A fire warning was issued for eastern parts of the county. Officials note that a wildfire was located six miles SE of Slapout. Follett and Higgins could be affected.
  • Citizens near Glazier and the feed yard were advised to evacuate;
  • Highway 83 and 23 were closed to traffic; and
  • Highway 60 between Glazier and Higgins was shut down.
• Wheeler County
  • Wheeler EMS reports that the evacuation has been lifted for Wheeler and Mobeetie. Allison and Briscoe are still not cleared.
  • Wheeler County EM said as of 9:43 p.m. that two active fires were reported east of Allison and one near Mobeetie. An all clear has not been given by officials.
  • Wheeler County Emergency Management said the county needs to evacuate. Shelters are available available at Wellington WAC and Childress City Auditorium. Officials note that those evacuating should not go west.
  • The Wheeler County Emergency Management reports that Allison and Briscoe need to evacuate. Officials said shelters are available at Wellington WAC and Childress City Auditorium.

“Windy Deuce” fire in Moore/Potter County – 40,000 acres, 20% contained

Update: Tuesday, 11:46 p.m.

Officials with the Amarillo Fire Department report that the forward progression of the fire that was starting to make its way south through Potter County has begun to slow.

AFD said its crews are working to hold the fire near 136 and 293.

Update: Tuesday, 10:29 p.m.

Randall County, Potter County, and the City of Amarillo have declared a local state of disaster.

Update: Tuesday 9:33 p.m.

An evacuation has been issued for the Mesilla Park area in Potter County. The Amarillo Fire Department reports that its Ambus has been deployed to River Road High School for anyone in need of shelter. Officials said the River Road High School gym is open for evacuees of affected areas.

Update: Tuesday 9:26 p.m.

The Potter County Fire and Rescue team announced on its Facebook page that Stinnett Rd. and 136 northeast of Amarillo will be evacuated.

Update: Tuesday 9:16 p.m.

The Amarillo Fire Department posted on its Facebook page that the fire is 6-8 miles north of Amarillo.

Update: Tuesday 8:49 p.m.

Potter County Fire and Rescue said PCFR, Pantex fire, AFD, TXDOT, Fritch fire, Potter Road and bridge graders, and city of Amarillo graders are on the scene of a fire that is on both sides of 136 moving south towards Amarillo.

136 is closed due to fire smoke, and crews are working in the area.

Update: Tuesday 4:50 p.m.

Officials said evacuations were ordered for Alibates, McBride, Mullinaw, and Harbor Bay. Officials said Highway 136 is closed and residents of those areas should head north through Sanford.

Update: Tuesday 3:19 p.m.

Officials with the city of Fritch report that everyone south of Highway 136 in Fritch need to evacuate. The fire has jumped Highway 136 note officials.

Officials note that those evacuating need to head toward Borger. Highway 136 is not passable.

Update: Tuesday 2:27 p.m.

TxDOT reports that both directions of SH 136, north of Fritch to FM 1342 in Potter County are closed due to smoke from the fire.

Update: Tuesday 2:23 p.m.

Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the fire has prompted Fritch to issue evacuations for Double Diamond, Arrowhead Addition, and Maverick Villiage.

The Moore County Sheriff’s Office advised that residents in the Double Diamond and Arrowhead addition as well as Maverick Village should prepare for possible evacuations on Tuesday with the spreading “Windy Deuce” and “Smokehouse Creek” fires.

As of 1:20 p.m. on Tuesday, community members in the Double Diamond area were advised to evacuate.

Gray County

Update: 4:39 p.m.

The city of Skellytown is asking residents to evacuate to Pampa.

Update: 4:10 p.m.

Officials with the City of Pampa report that the Gray County Sheriff’s Department is going door to door to “suggest” an evacuation for those north of County Line Road on Highway 70.

Officials note that the City of Pampa is not evacuating.

Oklahoma

Beaver County

An evacuation order was issued to Slapout due to fires in the area. Officials said crews are working the fire no further information was provided.

Texas County

Update: 4:05 p.m.

Texas County Emergency Management reports that the evacuation notice has been lifted.

The Texas County Emergency Management reports that an evacuation notice was posted for Highway 136 to Road L south about one mile. Officials note that an evacuation notice has not been posted for the City of Guymon.

Original Story: Fire updates from Monday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m. – Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 12:20 p.m.

Armstrong County – “Juliet Pass” fire, 2,963 acres, 90% contained

Update: 6:12 p.m.

Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the “Juliet Pass” Fire has burned about 2,963 acres and is 90% contained.

Texas A&M Forest Service said forward progression on the fire has stopped and containment lines have been built.

Firefighters are patrolling the area and working to mitigate hot spots.

Update: 4:50 p.m.

Armstrong County Sheriff, Melissa Anderson, said crews are still on scene near CR19. Hwy 207 is passable in both directions.

Update: 3:59 p.m.

According to the Armstrong County Sheriff, Melissa Anderson, multiple crews are working the fire. 207 is shut down as crews work to contain the fire.

Update: 3:40 p.m.

Texas A&M Forest Services reports that the “Juliet Pass” Fire in Armstrong County has burned about 750 acres and is being reported as 0% contained.

Crews with MyHighPlains.com spotted a grass fire south of Claude. Officials with Texas A&M Forest Service said the “Juliet Pass Fire” is currently 0% contained as of 3 p.m.

Gray County – “Grape Vine Creek” fire, 30,000 acres, 15% contained

Update: Tuesday, 7 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that the “Grape Vine Creek” fire in Gray County was impacting an estimated 30,000 acres on Tuesday morning and considered 15% contained, after 20 mph winds “with extreme gusts” impacted the fire overnight.

Update: Tuesday, 6:40 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported that the “Grape Vine Creek” fire in Gray County had impacted 20,000 acres as of Tuesday morning and was considered 10% contained.

Update: 9:15 p.m.

Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the fire in Gray County, named the “Grape Vine Creek” Fire has burned about 20,000 acres and is 0% contained.

Update: 8:59

The Texas Department of Transportation reports that RM 1321 is closed due to low visibility.

Update: 4:25 p.m.

The City of Lefors issued an update for the fire in Gray County which prompted a voluntary evacuation order to the south of Lefors.

According to officials from the City of Lefors, the fire west of Lefors has jumped FM 2375 and is close to the Phillips 66 tank. Officials warn residents and anyone in the area to stay alert and the city may issue a second evacuation order pending conditions.

Update: 3:24 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a Fire Warning for Gray County.

According to the NWS, a “dangerous wildfire was located three miles SW of Lefors of 10 miles SE of Pampa.”

The NWS said the fire was moving fast at three to five miles per hour. Areas that may be affected include Lefors and parts of Highway 273 around Lefors.

Update: 3 p.m.

Lefors ISD is evacuating its students to the Rodeo Grounds in Pampa for pickup. Students can be picked up from the buses at the Rodeo Grounds.

According to the Emergency Management Coordinator for Gray County, a fire was located south of Pampa off of I-40 west of Lefors. Crews are working that fire, but more information has not been released.

Hutchinson/Roberts/Hemphill County – “Smokehouse Creek” fire , 40,000 acres, 0% contained

Update: Tuesday, 2:18 p.m.

The City of Borger/Hutchinson County OEM reports that additional fires were reported in mostly unpopulated area west of 136 (between Borger and Stinnett.)

Officials said the fires may potentially threaten Scotts Acres.

Update: Tuesday, 2:13 p.m.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Canadian and the surrounding area according to the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said to use U.S. 83 going south. A shelter has been set up at the Wheeler Agri Life Building at 7939 U.S. 83

Update: Tuesday, 1:56 p.m.

Video captured of the area around Canadian by viewer Casey Long.

Update: Tuesday, 12:20 p.m.

The Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office reported that Highway 83 was closed in both directions at the oasis, with no northbound traffic allowed in the area. In Lipscomb County, Highway 83 and 23 were also closed to traffic.

The sheriff’s office said that in the event evacuations are ordered in the area, the evacuation route will be east on Highway 60 to Higgins, with the Higgins school open for residents.

Update: Tuesday, 11:58 a.m.

Canadian ISD officials reported on Tuesday afternoon on social media that the district is starting early dismissal procedures immediately after consulting with Sheriff Clapp and Judge Johnson, further noting that buses will run at 12 p.m.

Officials noted that CISD has not received an evacuation notice, however, early dismissal gives officials the best chance to connect parents and kids together before an evacuation notice is issued.

Officials added that parents can pick up students at the normal area location on the child’s campus. Any students not picked up from school will be kept in a common area on campus until ordered to evacuate.

Update: Tuesday, 10:40 a.m.

The Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office reported on Tuesday morning that the fire that began Monday near the Hemphill and Roberts County line had shifted north toward the river on the McMordie Ranch, approximately four miles west of the county line and moving east-northeast.

However, the office noted that “due to ever-changing wind direction,” community members on Tuesday should be prepared to evacuate. Fire danger to Canadian is expected to increase during the afternoon due to wind changes and an incoming cold front.

Update: 10:00 p.m.

The Hemphill County Sheriffs reports that the fire is about 8 miles west of the Hemphill and Roberts County line.

The Hemphill County Sheriff said there is no danger to Canadian and will continue to monitor and update if there is a change.

The National Weather Service reports that a Fire Weather Warning was issued for NW Hemphill and east Roberts County on a wildfire that was located 11 miles west of the city of Canadian.

Officials said the fire is moving east at three to five miles per hour. Areas that may be affected include Canadian, Highway 83 and Highway 60.

The fire started in Hutchinson County and was reported to have burned an estimated 40,000 acres so far.

Hutchinson County

Update: 7:33 p.m.

In Hutchinson County, crews are working a wildfire reported north of Stinnett on Monday afternoon near Highway 136 and County Road O. As of 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening the “Smokehouse Creek” fire had burned about 40,000 acres and was 0% contained.

Ochiltree County

The Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office reports that Hwy 70 Perryton to Pampa is closed going south due to the fire in Grey County.

Moore/Potter County – “Windy Deuce” fire, 4,000 acres, 5% contained

Update: Tuesday, 11:52 a.m.

The City of Fritch officials sent out on Tuesday morning a pre-emergency evacuation alert on social media for the Double Diamond and Arrowhead addition and Maverick Village due to the approaching fire and officials reported that it’s imperative for residents to prepare for an evacuation in the area.

As of 12 p.m. on Tuesday, the “Windy Deuce” fire was estimated to have impacted 8,000 acres and was 20% contained.

Update: Tuesday, 6:30 a.m.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported on Tuesday morning that the “Windy Deuce Fire” in Moore/Potter County had covered an estimated 4,000 acres and 5% contained. Firefighters in the area were reported as working to build containment lines, particularly on the northern edge of the fire.

Update: 8:42 p.m.

Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the “Windy Deuce” Fire near the Moore/Potter County line has burned about 1,500 acres and is 0% contained.

Update: 6:03 p.m

Potter County Fire-Rescue said terrain has made the fire difficult to attack. Several unoccupied structures are threatened.

Update: 5:27 p.m.

Potter County Fire-Rescue said the fire, (named the “Windy Deuce Fire”) has burned about 750 acres and is “exhibiting extreme fire behavior including spotting.”

PCFR said its crews are hopeful that the natural barrier of the river will assist in controlling it. If it jumps the river Alibates and Fritch could be affected.

Update: 5:04 p.m.

According to Sheriff Brian Thomas, the Plum Creek campsites and east of the site south of Dumas near the Potter County and Moore County line are being evacuated by the National Parks Services due to the fire.

Update: 4:42 p.m.

Potter County Fire-Rescue said its crews are at the fire near CIG Road and Hagy Road in Potter County. According to PCFR, the fire is in the area of a fire that had started in Moore County on Sunday.

The fire was reported to be east of Highway 287 and north of the Canadian River.

Crews ask that people avoid the area.

A fire was reported near the Moore and Potter County line. Moore County has trucks en route the fire.

Randall County – “Haulk Hand and Catch” fire, 3 acres, 100% contained

The Randall County Sheriff’s Office said crews were working a fire in the area of Rosewood Ave and Grand Street. Officials asked people to avoid the area.

Wheeler County

Officials with Wheeler County Emergency Management said those living in the area south of Mobeetie and north of Mclean near the Wheeler County and Gray County line need to be prepared to evacuate due to the fire in Gray County.

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