Vegetation fires in Potter and Randall Counties in Texas on Thursday prompted a massive response from emergency crews and smoke could be seen from Amarillo. WatchDuty showed fires to the northwest and south of Amarillo.
Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management issued a statement, saying “Grass and wildfire responses are currently underway across both Potter and Randall counties as fire crews continue working active incidents throughout the area.” They added “Residents may see smoke from varying locations depending on wind conditions. Please avoid affected areas when possible and use caution if traveling near emergency response activity. With dry conditions and elevated fire risk, the public is encouraged to avoid activities that could spark additional fires, including parking on dry grass, outdoor burning, or towing chains that may create sparks.”
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The statement continued “We appreciate the continued work of responding agencies across the region and encourage residents to monitor trusted local sources for updates as conditions change.”
A map of the areas under fire warning was shared on X in the meantime.
A local news channel noted that people in Amarillo might be smelling something burning, but clarified there was nothing ablaze there. “If you are smelling smoke in the city of Amarillo it is coming from wildfires out near the New Mexico state line and possibly from the fire near Buffalo Lake west of Canyon. As of this writing there are no wildfires near the city itself. There is a fire north of Amarillo and west the Canadian River bridge that has prompted a “Fire Warning” for Potter County. The fire near Buffalo Lake has also prompted a “Fire Warning” for southern Randall County,” they wrote.
Texas A&M Forest Service noted on X “Texas A&M Forest Service is responding to a request for assistance in Randall County on the #HunggateFire. The fire is an estimated 1,000 acres and 0% contained.”
Currently, no evacuation orders have been issued. Meanwhile, scary visuals of the blaze were shared online.
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A local news channel shared a photo of the fire burning and wrote “Fire in southwest Randall County Thursday.”
In another update, it added “the fire is crossing Buffalo Lake.”
One person shared a video from afar and smoke could be seen rising. “Potter County: Grass fire. I’m parked at 1061 and the 2381 intersection looking towards the east of Valle De Oro. So it’s just out in open land as far as I can tell. This message and video sent in by Cathlina Rivas King. This is separate from the grass fire SW of Canyon,” they wrote.
Another posted a photo where smoke could be seen from afar. “Fire on South Coulter and Hollywood Rd,” they added.
