Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in Texas history, is now 100% contained
After nearly three weeks of widespread efforts, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has been deemed fully contained. Here's what you need to know.
Is the Smokehouse Creek Fire 100% contained?
Yes. The largest wildfire in Texas history no longer poses a threat.
Upon announcing 100% containment the night of March 16, the Texas A&M Forest Service released a "Texas Fire Potential Update."
"The potential for large wildfires has decreased across the High Plains behind the cold front passage as the fire environment will feature less wind, cooler temperatures and improving fuel moisture," the update reads. "Near normal fuel moisture will keep fire potential low for the majority of Texas through Sunday."
The Forest Service also shared a photo of new grass already growing among some areas charred black by the fire.
How big was the Smokehouse Creek Fire?
Over the course of a few weeks, the Smokehouse Creek Fire expanded across 1,058,482 acres, according to data by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire became the largest in state history on Feb. 29, when it surpassed the East Amarillo Complex Fire's record of 907,245 acres.
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What caused the Smokehouse Creek Fire?
Melanie McQuiddy, a homeowner in Stinnett, a city where many houses have been destroyed, filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy Services and two other utilities. The lawsuit says the record-setting fire started "when a wooden pole defendants failed to properly inspect, maintain and replace, splintered and snapped off at its base."
On Feb. 28, two days after the fires broke out, a law firm sent a letter to Xcel notifying the company “of potential exposure for damages” and requesting that a fallen utility pole near "the fire’s potential area of origin be preserved," according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Kevin Cross, a spokesperson for Xcel, said that the fires are being investigated and that the cause has not been determined. He added that the company restored power in coordination with first responders and local officials.
"Our thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by the devastating wildfires across the Texas Panhandle," Cross said. "As members of this community, we will continue to support our neighbors in this recovery."
The Forest Service said that investigators were working with local law enforcement and that the cause is under investigation.
How many were injured in the Smokehouse Creek Fire?
At least two people died in the Smokehouse Creek Fire.
Joyce Blankenship, 83, resided in Stinnett, an hour's drive north of Amarillo. Nathan Blankenship told CBS News his grandmother had died in the Smokehouse Creek Fire. Blankenship was a beloved mother, grandmother and former substitute teacher, family members shared with the Associated Press.
Cindy Owen, a 44-year-old Amarillo woman, also died from burn injuries. She was driving to Pampa for work when she became trapped by fire and stepped out of her vehicle, according to KFDA-TV. Family member Jennifer Mitchell says Owen was taken by ambulance to a burn center in Oklahoma City, where she died from her injuries.
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Texas wildfires map: Track lingering wildfires in Texas
The fire tracker provides a map with pinpoint locations of each fire and also shows where red flag warnings are in effect, among other information. You can also click on each point to see detailed information on the fire in that area.
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— Amarillo Globe-News reporter Kristina Wood and USA TODAY reporter Christopher Cann contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Smokehouse Creek Fire, largest wildfire in Texas history, 100% contained
