The 2024 Texas wildfires was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Texas during 2024. Background While "fire season" varies every year in Texas, most wildfires occur in between February and April. However, there is an increasing fire danger all year-round. Fire conditions can be exacerbated by drought, strong winds, La Niña, and vegetation growth. Climate change is leading to increased temperatures, lower humidity levels, and drought conditions that are happening more often.
Summary The 2024 Texas wildfires were marked by several major fires, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas panhandle and part of Oklahoma.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire burned an estimated in Texas and Oklahoma and was completely contained on March 16, becoming the second largest fire in US history dating back to 1988. It started on Monday, February 26, one mile north of Stinnett in Hutchinson County, Texas.
Other fires include the Windy Deuce Fire, which also started on February 26. As of March 3, it has burned , including a portion of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, and it is 100% contained.
In addition, the Grape Vine Creek Fire started 9.5 miles south of Lefors in Gray County, Texas on the same day, burning an estimated with 100% containment.
List of wildfires
The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties. NameCounty AcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRefNorth CIGMoore4,012 Smokehouse CreekHemphill & Roberts1,058,482Two fatalities; largest wildfire in Texas history, second largest in U.S historyWindy DeucePotter, Carson, Moore, Hutchinson144,206 Grape Vine CreekGray34,883 Juliet PassArmstrong2,963 MagentaOldham3,297 Mile Marker 32Kenedy1,424 Laguna 24Kleberg12,385 Hackberry CanyonPotter1,088 Cattail 24Kleberg1,620 West AER MotorCottle1,761 Paint CrossingThrockmorton2,263 RobertsonStephens1,610 Creek 232Throckmorton1,241 Midway PastureWilbarger1,147 Red CreekHaskell2,778 Dirt RoadKing1,524 Peter SwitchWichita1,658 North Art ComplexMason4,355
Aftermath
At least two people died as a result of the firesLi Cohen. "Texas' largest-ever wildfire that killed at least 2 apparently ignited by power company facilities, company says". CBS News, March 7, 2024. and at least 7,000 cattle have died.Brandi D. Addison. "At least 7,000 cows have died in historic Texas wildfires, official says". Amarillo Globe-News, March 11, 2024. Panhandle ranchers and farmers are seeking government assistance to recover from their losses. Volunteer organizations are assisting in the recovery efforts.
Following the fires, conspiracy theories spread stating that the fires were started by directed energy weapons which were ineffective against or deliberately did not target houses with blue roofs.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the largest wildfire, with attention on a downed Xcel Energy Co. power line near Stinnett as a potential ignition source. Lawsuits have been filed against Xcel Energy for alleged negligence leading to the fires.
See also 2024 United States wildfires Wildfires in 2024
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