A fast-moving series of wildfires in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle has grown into an 800-square mile inferno, the second-largest in state history.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in 60 counties and initiated evacuations in several small towns.
More than a half a million acres had already burned as of Wednesday morning, fueled by strong winds.
Now, the flames are threatening one of America’s most important national defense installations.
The facility has temporarily suspended operations and a partial evacuation has been carried out.
Per ABC News:
The “wildfires in northern Texas and western Oklahoma prompted a precautionary evacuation of nonessential personnel at the Pantex Nuclear Weapons Plant in Amarillo. All special materials are safe and unaffected. There are no reported impacts to early voting in either state,” according to an internal situation report from DHS/CISA.
“The Pantex Nuclear Weapons Plant in Carson County evacuated all nonessential personnel and paused operations until further notice due to the ongoing wildfires,” according to the report obtained by ABC News. “All weapons and special materials are safe and unaffected. The facility is approximately 13 miles from the Windy Deuce Fire.”
Additionally, the agency reports “the Smokehouse Creek fire crossed into northwestern Oklahoma, resulting in a hospital and nursing home evacuation in Shattuck, OK. Several state and local highways are also affected by the fires.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service had said it responded to 13 wildfires on Monday, with conditions on Tuesday ideal for more wildfire activity.
“Several large wildfires ignited under warm, dry and windy conditions across the Texas Panhandle,” the government agency wrote on social media. “Today, strong winds will likely impact these wildfires and the potential for new ignitions remains.”
Firefighters have prioritized life-saving efforts as they struggle to contain the blaze. Though meteorologists predict there will be precipitation on Thursday.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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