The Smokehouse Creek Fire burned an estimated 1,058,482 acres (1,653.878 sq mi; 428,352 ha) in Texas and Oklahoma and was completely contained on March 16,[1] 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 144,206 acres (225.322 sq mi; 58,358 ha), including a portion of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, and it is 100% contained.[2]
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 34,882 acres (54.503 sq mi; 14,116 ha) with 100% containment.[3][4][5][6]
List of wildfires
The following is a list of fires that burned more than 1,000 acres (400 ha), or produced significant structural damage or casualties.
At least two people died as a result of the fires[25] and at least 7,000 cattle have died.[26] Panhandle ranchers and farmers are seeking government assistance to recover from their losses.[27][28] Volunteer organizations are assisting in the recovery efforts.[27][29]
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.[28]
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