As of Wednesday, there were multiple wildfires burning in the Texas Panhandle as winds gusted 50-60 mph.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo issued a high wind warning for most of the region Wednesday, with possible wind gusts up to 65 mph and sustained strong winds at 30 to 40 mph.
A hazardous weather outlook had been issued for the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, with strong winds expected to follow behind the cold front continuing into Wednesday afternoon. The outlook noted that Thursday through Monday, elevated to critical fire weather is expected to be possible each afternoon, as dry and warm conditions remain present into next week.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Yellow Fire was an estimated 14,208 acres and 55% contained as of 8:56 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, located northwest of Amarillo.
The Yellow Fire began Tuesday evening southeast of Channing. By Wednesday evening and spread from Hartley County and into Moore, Oldham and Potter counties prompting road closures and evacuations.
The Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch was evacuated as a precaution to Vega and suspended operations for Thursday. Boys Ranch ISD canceled school. A fire warning had originally been issued for north of Boys Ranch at 6:16 a.m. but expired. Another fire warning was issued at 12:22 p.m., per a request from the Oldham County Emergency Management, for northwestern Oldham County.
Texas A&M Forest Service said fire lines held well overnight as crews monitor hotspots and smokes. Thursday morning crews patrolled the east flank of the fire.
The Cabin Creek Fire started on Monday in Gray County and by Wednesday was 100% contained after burning 7,000 acres, but not before facing some challenges. Local fire departments directly saved two homes and old oil infrastructure was threatened and saved.
On Sunday, March 8 the Maroon Fire began south of Channing and burned about 745 acres in in Oldham and Hartley counties, north of the site of the Lavender Fire in February. U.S. Highway 385 from Channing to Boys Ranch had been closed while first responders worked to contain the fire.
The Cabin Creek Fire in Gray County remained was estimated 6,949 acres and was fully contained, according to the Forest Service.
The Eastern Fire in Randall County was about 78 acres and fully contained.
The Little Fire that sparked Tuesday south of Canadian in Hemphill County grew to about 401 acres before it was fully contained.