Drone videos show apocalyptic scene as wildfires scorch Texas Panhandle
The Smokehouse Creek wildfire has burned more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle. It's just one of several blazes burning in the region.
Drone video shows devastating aftermath from Texas wildfire
Drone video over the towns of Stinnett and Fritch, Texas show scorched homes and properties. (Video credit: Allen Garland via Storyful)
STINNETT, Texas – Drone videos are giving a look at the apocalyptic scene of destruction and devastation caused by wildfires that have consumed land and structures across the Texas Panhandle.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned more than 1 million acres of land and is approximately and is nearly twice as wide as the state of Delaware. It is the largest wildfire in Texas state history.
A drone video recorded by Allen Garland in the towns of Stinnett and Fritch shows burned homes, trees and property after the blaze torched the region on Wednesday.
A second video from the Fritch area shows acres of scorched land and buildings that have been damaged or destroyed.
LARGEST WILDFIRE IN TEXAS HISTORY EXPLODES TO MORE THAN 1 MILLION ACRES IN 4 DAYS ACROSS PANHANDLE
Drone video shows damage caused by Texas Panhandle wildfire
Aerial video shows the destruction caused by a wildfire in the town of Fritch, Texas.
Firefighters from across Texas have descended upon the Panhandle, including in Hutchinson County, where firefighters from Fort Worth, Texas, drove through the flames to join in on the battle against the blazes. Hutchinson County is sadly where at least one person was found dead north of Amarillo, and dozens of structures were damaged after the fires broke out earlier this week.
While firefighters worked desperately to contain the fires, they were hoping a brief burst of snow could help them gain the upper hand against the flames.
Watch: Firefighters working to contain largest wildfire in Texas history wake to snow
Firefighters working to contain the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which is now the largest wildfire in Texas state history, woke to snow on Thursday morning while they were preparing to head out and get to work.
A weak area of low pressure swung through the Texas wildfire zones and dropped about an inch of snow Thursday amid freezing temperatures. That was welcome relief from the hot, dry and windy conditions that led to the explosive development of the wildfires burning through dry vegetation.
"Rain is helpful, but when it comes to fire, snow is perfect," said FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin. "Think about taking a fire extinguisher to snuff out a fire — this is the same effect. It dampens (the area) and that can really tap out a fire."
Before and after satellite photos of Fritch, Texas followed by a closeup of a neighborhood before and after images.
(Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies / FOX Weather)
The storm will have little to no effect on the expansive fires except to keep humidity elevated for a day. A return to fire weather conditions is expected this weekend.