PANHANDLE (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Fast moving wildfires continue to spread in the Texas panhandle, prompting evacuation orders and the shutting down of a nuclear facility Tuesday afternoon.
Some residents in the rural towns of Canadian, Pampa and others were told to leave as neighborhoods and livestock were threatened.
Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties as the largest blaze, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, burned over 300,000 acres and jumped into Oklahoma.
The Texas A&M Forest Service said that fire is 0% contained as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe,” said Abbott.
Pantex, the main facility that handles the United State’s nuclear arsenal, shut down its operations Tuesday night in Texas as wildfires burned near its facility.
The facility is located about 30 miles east of Amarillo.
Hutchison County Emergency Management and Borger city officials took to Facebook to tell residents where they could shelter in both cities.
“We still have areas without power, water and active burning. Pray for the safety of all involved. Also pack your go bag just in case,” said the post.
Meanwhile, fire crews from North Texas were called to help battle the blazes. Three firefighters from Flower Mound are helping battle the Smokehouse Creek Fire, north of Stinnett.
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