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Snowfall in the regions impacted by the wildfires in Texas.
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The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that after six days, the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas, which has combined with another fire and spread into western Oklahoma, remains 15 percent contained.
Dangerously high winds and parched conditions over the weekend posed a threat of amplifying the massive wildfire, which is already the largest in the history of the state.
Texas officials have confirmed that the blazing inferno has scorched over 1.1 million acres in the Panhandle region and decimated 500 buildings.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo has declared a red flag alert for the entire Panhandle starting late Saturday morning until midnight on Sunday. This comes after recent rain and snow on Thursday helped firefighters contain a portion of the fire.
At least two individuals have died as a result of the fires.
Officials reported that 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship was discovered deceased in her devastated residence in Hutchinson County.
It was confirmed on Thursday that a second woman, identified as Cindy Owens, has died from her injuries sustained when she exited her truck and suffered severe burns.
Could rain fall in the Texas panhandle as wildfires continue to rage?
There is a possibility of rain later this week, as mentioned in a tweet from NWS Amarillo. However, the likelihood is not very high.
There is currently a low probability for rain, but we will continue to monitor the situation later this week. There is a possibility of thunderstorms, particularly for the eastern Panhandles and western Oklahoma. Be sure to check for any updates to the forecast throughout the week. #phwx #TXwx #OKwx
The Texas Panhandle continues to experience dry and windy weather conditions that increase the risk of fires.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management tweeted that the Panhandle and West Texas are still experiencing dangerous fire weather conditions.
A list of useful prevention tips was also provided.
Pictures: Damage caused by wildfires in the Texas panhandle.
Ways to assist during wildfires in the Texas Panhandle
The Texas Farm Bureau has established a fund to provide assistance to farmers and ranchers impacted by the wildfire in the Texas Panhandle.
This program will collect and distribute monetary contributions only, the fund says.
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Planes are being used to collect water from a lake and then release it onto the Texas wildfires.
According to a tweet from the Texas A&M Forest Service, “Super Scoopers” (Multi-engine Airtankers) collect water from Lake Meredith and then head to the #WindyDeuceFire to respond.
Additionally, there are 13 airplanes located in Texas that are currently in operation to combat ongoing forest fires.
Donations of hay delivered to Texas panhandle
Feed and hay donations are still being transported to the Texas panhandle to assist ranchers who are in need.
“The Texas Farm Bureau stated in a tweet that their offerings go beyond physical items like round bales or sacks of feed. They also include bundles of hope, faith, and prayers for a brighter future.”
View: Timelapse of the Smokehouse Creek Fire
ABC7 Amarillo captured footage of the Smokehouse Creek Fire through a time lapse video.
The air temperature rises from 75 degrees to 104 degrees in a span of four minutes.
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Two firemen were harmed fighting a fire in Oklahoma.
According to The Associated Press, two firefighters sustained injuries while fighting the blaze in Oklahoma that originated in Texas.
One person sustained a heat-related injury and another was hurt after the brush pumper they were traveling in collided with a tanker truck while en route to battle a fire near Gage.
The two firefighters are anticipated to make a full recovery.
Critical fire weather conditions continue today
The National Weather Service issued a warning on Sunday stating that strong winds from the southwest, reaching up to 50 mph, and low humidity below 15 percent will create dangerous fire conditions. They advise against participating in any outdoor activities that may cause sparks or flames.
Maps of fires ravaging the Texas Panhandle
The Texas A&M Forest Service has reported that the Smokehouse Creek fire, which has burned 1,078,086 acres, is now the largest in state history. As of Saturday, it is only 15% contained.
At least two individuals have been fatally injured by the fires.
Authorities report that 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship was discovered deceased in her demolished residence in Hutchinson County.
It was confirmed on Thursday that Cindy Owens, a second woman, had passed away due to her injuries sustained from exiting her truck and suffering severe burns.
View maps of these destructive fires:
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