Historic wildfires burning through the Texas Panhandle have triggered evacuations.

Footage shows the scene in Amarillo and Moore County respectively as several fires burn over 500,000 acres.

This footage was filmed and produced 28 February 2024.

As wildfires continue to ravage the Texas Panhandle, authorities are mobilizing evacuation efforts amidst escalating concerns for public safety. Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Moore County have initiated evacuations as blazes encroach upon populated areas, prompting swift action from emergency responders.

According to Eric Smith, superintendent at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, evacuation measures were enacted following the rapid progression of the fire, necessitating the evacuation of key park areas such as Plum Creek and Blue West. The inferno, initially sparked on the edge of Potter County, has since engulfed over 6,000 acres, edging closer to Moore County, with firefighting efforts intensifying to prevent further spread into Hutchinson County.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire encompassing an estimated 20,000 acres as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, with containment efforts ongoing but challenged by adverse wind conditions. Forecasted changes in wind direction heighten concerns among officials, exacerbating the unpredictable nature of the blaze.

Evacuation directives have been issued for Moore County, particularly emphasizing the safety of residents in the City of Fritch and the Harbor Bay area of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Residents were urged to seek shelter at designated evacuation points, prioritizing their safety and facilitating firefighting operations.

The first clip was filmed in Amarillo, Potter County, TX 28.02.24.
The second clip was filmed in Moore County, TX 25.02.24.