More Fire Danger in the Plains

The Smokehouse Creek Fire began less than a week ago on Monday, February 26th, and has raged to become the largest fire in Texas State History (on 2/29) burning over a million acres in the Texas Panhandle. According to officials, as of Sunday afternoon, the fire has burned 1,076,638 acres and remains at 15% containment.

For More on the Smokehouse Creek Fire and late February flames in the Texas Panhandle, click here.

With fires across much of the southern Plains still not fully contained, dangerous conditions will remain through tonight for the middle of the country. As warmer, drier air combines with strong southerly winds, the SPC has designated an elevated risk in eastern New Mexico and through west Texas.

Winds will be from the south and southwest, and we can see isolated strong gusts through the late morning to afternoon. This means any ongoing fires (in the Texas Panhandle) face the threat of additional growth. In addition, new fire initiation will likely spread quickly.