Major fires are continuing locally, and are threatening life and property around the area.
According to reports multiple fires have been ongoing across the Texas Panhandle. A fire in Lefors is reportedly 25 percent contained after burning 135,000 acres. No structures in the area are threatened by the fire, according to Newschannel10.
One of the largest fires in the Texas Panhandle is the Gray County wildfire. Initial reports indicated that three people are dead following the fire. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Cody Crockett, Sloan Everett, and Sydney Wallace have been identified as the victims in the fire. The three ranch hands were killed as they tried to save cattle from the fire.
A fire also broke out in Potter County, although reports are showing that the fire is nearly 75 percent contained.
Governor Greg Abbott responded to the fires by activating state resources to fight the fires. Governor Abbott also issued a statement, saying, "As wildfires continue to spread in the Panhandle this evening, threatening Texans and their property, I have deployed resources to the region to help combat the fires. Due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, I encourage local residents to heed all warnings from local emergency management officials as firefighters work swiftly to contain the fires. Cecilia and I extend our prayers to the firefighters injured while combating these fires, and we thank all first responders for their tireless efforts on the front lines of this dangerous situation."
The Amarillo Pioneer would like to extend sincere thoughts and prayers to those affected by the fires.
