Newly released satellite images show the extent of the destruction caused by the devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The images, shared by space technology company Maxar Technologies on Monday, show the largest of the wildfires—the Smokehouse Creek fire—from above and its widespread reach. The massive blaze that ignited on Feb. 26 grew to become the largest, most destructive wildfire recorded in Texas, and the second largest in the nation's history.
Previously, the East Amarillo fire of 2006 was the largest in Texas, with 907,000 acres consumed, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Though the Smokehouse Creek fire's coverage has since been reduced to 1,059,570, as of Tuesday it remains only 37 percent contained.
Satellite images also show close up views of scorched towns, including places where the fires continue to burn. An estimated 500 structures and homes have been obliterated in the inferno. The catastrophic blaze has also resulted in the deaths of at least two people, and over a thousand missing or dead cattle.
As of Tuesday, two other Panhandle wildfires remain burning, including the Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County, which is around 144,206 acres and 55 percent contained. The other is the Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County, which covers 34,882 acres and is 60 percent contained.
The cause of the wildfire has yet to be confirmed, though strong winds and dry, warmer conditions helped fuel the flames. The National Weather Service reports chances of rain and snow brought on by an incoming cold front on Friday. Last week, snow in the Panhandle brought temporary relief to first responders. On Tuesday, the forest service said a cold front on Monday allowed crews to make progress. "Today's weather will again be favorable to gain on containment," the state agency said in a statement. "Overall, burn conditions are markedly improved and the ability to fight fire on the ground is greatly enhanced."
