This has nothing at all to do with fitness, and everything to do with the beautiful state that I call home…more specifically, the Texas Panhandle. Since Monday, over a million acres of land have burned.
If you don’t know anything about the great State of Texas, let me educate you just a little bit:
Texas is a land of diversity and extremes. We declared our independence in 1836, existing as an independent nation until 1845. That’s when Texas joined the United States. Interestingly, the annexation agreement included a unique clause allowing Texas the option to divide into five separate states without federal approval. Pretty cool, huh?
It’s the second-largest state in the U.S., both in size and population. The Lone Star State boasts a rich history, from the Alamo in San Antonio to the space explorations in Houston. Did you know Texas has its own power grid? That’s the kind of self-sufficiency that embodies the Texan spirit!
And let’s not forget the natural beauty – Texas is home to over 100 state parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges. The Texas Panhandle, where the fires are still currently raging, is a place of rugged beauty, known for its wide-open spaces and dramatic canyons, like Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States. (And my favorite place to hike!!)
Texas is grappling with its most devastating wildfire yet, with the Smokehouse Creek Fire consuming over a million acres and still burning. Countless first responders have rushed to the scene, and the losses are staggering. Homes, businesses, vehicles, farms, ranches, and livestock have all been hit hard by this disaster.
There are more air tankers coming from the national guard today and crews from all over the country have come to lend a hand.
Food trucks and others have been setting up and feeding those affected by the fires and the first responders free of charge. Churches are passing out water and neighbors are opening their homes.
The Panhandle Spirit is running strong and people from all walks of life and religions are gathering to pray and care for one another. This is what we Texans do when times get hard! If you don’t understand Texan, that’s called “neighboring.”
We are Texas Strong. We will rebuild. If you pray, keep praying. It’s snowing today and that should help! If you want to donate or need assistance, visit the Texas Panhandle Updates Facebook Page, City of Borger/Hutchinson County OEM Facebook page or the City of Stinnett Facebook page, they have comprehensive lists. Please make sure you are donating to a reliable source.
If you’re in Canadian:
Thursday, February 29, 2024, we will be having a Disaster Assistance Center for the residents of Canadian. Anyone affected by the fires can come and register for case management, receive supplies for their babies, receive an emergency food box, receive legal help if needed, and learn how to self report damage in iStat. The Information is as follows: At the Library next to the Courthouse, 500 E Main Street, Canadian, TX 79014 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you are in Hutchinson County:
- Fritch is under a boil notice. Which is hard to do since many residents are without electricity and or gas. For free water, please visit Celebration Church or Johnson Park Youth Center. We are dropping off more water to the church in the morning. Stinnett folks are welcome to these resources as well, in addition to the First Baptist Church in Stinnett.
- First Baptist Church in Stinnett has been assisting with meals and snacks. If you are in that area and need assistance, please reach out.
- For questions regarding volunteering or donations, please call 806-273-0955. They can get you the information you need. Please do not self deploy. We may need you more on the days to come rather than now.
- TX VOAD will be at Fairlanes Baptist Church in Bunavista on March 1st to assist with relief, case management, and legal advice. We are also working on a plan to get local insurance folks together to help assist with insurance related questions. If you have been displaced, keep all of your receipts!
As we witness the resilience of our beloved Texas and the courage of her people, it’s clear that the Panhandle Spirit is unbreakable.
From the first responders bravely battling the flames to the communities coming together to support those affected, this is a testament to the enduring strength and unity that defines the Lone Star State. The fires may rage, but they also renew, cleansing the landscape and paving the way for new growth. Texas has weathered many storms, and though the scars of this one will mark our memory, they also remind us of our capacity to rise from the ashes. The heart of Texas beats strong, and together, we’ll rebuild and restore, because that’s what Texans do. We stand tall, we face the fire, and we emerge, not just surviving, but thriving with a burning love for our state that no flame can extinguish.
We’ve got this, Texas…together. Hold one another close, take it one little step at a time, and never stop looking for new paths to explore. Until our next adventure, keep wandering and wondering!! 🌍✨🌱
AT THE TIME OF THIS POST:
According to Incident Information – Texas A&M Forest Service:
Wildfire Update – February 29, 2024 – 9:15 a.m.
The fire environment will be cooler today across the Texas Panhandle where multiple large fires are established. Fire activity today will not be as resistant to suppression efforts compared to Monday and Tuesday.
Active Wildfires:
– Smokehouse Creek Fire, Hutchinson County – est. 1,075,000 acres, 3% contained; *the 687 Reamer Fire has burned into the Smokehouse Creek Fire and is now included in the total acres.
– Windy Deuce Fire, Moore County – est. 142,000 acres, 30% contained
– Magenta Fire, Oldham County – est. 2,500 acres, 65% contained
– Grape Vine Creek Fire, Gray County – est. 30,000 acres, 60% contained
Contained Wildfires (100%):
– W Creek Fire, Moore County – 650 acres
– Cass 0347 Fire, Cass County – 6 acres
– Upshur 0341 Fire, Upshur County – 1.5 acres
– Nacogdoches 0343 Fire, Nacogdoches County – 1 acre
– Newton 0345 Fire, Newton County – 1.5 acres
– Orange 0346 Fire, Orange County – 80 acres
For information about active and recently contained wildfires, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer: https://public.tfswildfires.com/
Frequent incident updates can be found on the Incident Information Twitter page, https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS
For information about the Current Wildfire Situation, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation