Panhandle Fire Near Amarillo Covers Over 2,500 Acres

The Stinky Fire in Potter County, just northwest of Amarillo, covers over 2,500 acres in the Texas panhandle and is currently only 25% contained as of 11 a.m. C.T, per Texas A&M Forest Service.

The fire began Sunday at the Amarillo City Landfill, initially at five acres and rapidly spreading as hot and dry weather remained in the area. Wind gusts up to 45 mph Sunday and 50 mph Monday made for perfect wildfire conditions as other fires spread in the area.

Currently, there is a Level Three evacuation order in multiple immediate surrounding areas. Bishop Estates, Two Deer Creek, Eagle Tree, Quail Canyon, Bishop Ranches, Alta Vista Estates, Dripping Springs and Silver Pointe are all under evacuation orders.

Bushland Church, located at 1800 Ranch to Market Rd 2381 in Amarillo is serving as a temporary evacuation point for those displaced from their homes.

"Many residents are understandably anxious to return home, and evacuation orders will be lifted in coordination with responding agencies as soon as conditions are determined to be safe," the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management posted on Facebook this morning.

The area is still being monitored as the fire has not been fully contained. Residents evacuating may notice blocked or congested roads and are recommended to plan accordingly.

Check app.watchduty.org for real-time updates.