Fast-spreading wildfires in Texas, with 11 million people under a “red flag” warning, have crippled a nuclear facility as strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm temperatures fueled the blaze.
The main facility that builds and dismantles America's nuclear arsenal evacuated most of its staff in Texas on Tuesday evening as fires burned out of control near the facility.
Pantex issued a statement online saying it had suspended operations until further notice.
“The fire near Pantex is not contained,” the company said. “Response efforts have shifted to evacuations. “There are a small number of non-essential employees who are housed on-site.”
Since 1975, Pantex has been the United States' primary assembly and dismantling site for the country's atomic bomb arsenal. The last new bomb was assembled at the facility in 1991. In the years that followed, Pantex also dismantled thousands of warheads.
Fast-spreading wildfires in Texas, with 11 million people suffering under a “red flag” warning, have crippled a nuclear facility as strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm temperatures fueled the blaze
Since 1975, Pantex has been the United States' primary assembly and dismantling site for the country's atomic bomb arsenal
The evacuation of the Pantex plant, located 30 miles east of Amarillo, comes as four active wildfires rage in Texas, as emergency crews work to contain the flames and citizens are ordered to evacuate.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned more than 200,000 acres since it started Monday and is zero percent contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The towns of Canadian, Glazier and Higgins have issued evacuation orders for their residents, KVII reported.
“The Smokehouse Creek Fire is being fueled by southwesterly winds gusting to 60 mph and is rapidly spreading east-northeast toward the Texas town of Canadian,” said AccuWeather severe weather expert Dan Pearson.
“Between 3:30 p.m. CT and 4:30 p.m. CT, winds shift behind a strong cold front and quickly change the direction in which the fire spreads.”
Officials in the city of Fritch, Texas, have also ordered evacuations due to a separate fire.
The Grape Vine Creek Fire has reached 30,000 acres and is 20 percent contained. The Windy Deuce Fire is 8,000 acres and 20 percent contained, and the Juliet Pass Fire is 2,963 acres and 90 percent contained.
Pantex issued a statement online saying it had suspended operations until further notice
The Smokehouse Creek fire has burned more than 100,000 acres since it ignited Monday and is zero percent contained
Four active wildfires are raging in the Texas Panhandle as crews work to contain the flames
The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for more than 11 million Texans affected by the fires
The Hansford County Office of Emergency Management said on Facebook: “The fire threatens the city and evacuations of the Double Diamond area are in place, according to Judge Irwin Hutchinson County.”
“Judge Irwin personally thanked Hansford County for providing resources!” A disaster declaration is ordered! Additional evacuations in our region are as follows: Canadians have been asked to also evacuate residents of the North River in Roberts County.
The National Weather Service has issued an advisory for more than 11 million Texans affected by the fires.
According to Fox West Texas, warm temperatures combined with gusty winds and dry conditions triggered the warning.
The Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and critical fire conditions are expected to affect northwest Concho Valley and most of the Big Country. Strong westerly winds may reach speeds of 35 to 45 mph and gusts up to 65 mph.
“Critical fire weather conditions remain in effect this evening in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles due to strong westerly winds,” the weather service said.
The National Weather Service has advised people to avoid outdoor activities that could produce open flames or sparks.
Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said on Twitter: “Today's fire weather will be rough.”
The red flag warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and critical fire conditions are forecast
The cities of Canadian, Glazier and Higgins have issued evacuation orders for their residents
“We are pumping additional resources into the region.” Watch out for fire trucks and heavy equipment. Be prepared to evacuate if ordered by your local officials.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service said it responded to 13 wildfires covering 77,135 acres on Monday.
“Several large wildfires ignited amid warm, dry and windy conditions across the Texas Panhandle.” “Strong winds are likely to impact these wildfires today and the potential for new fires remains,” the service said on Twitter.
AccuWeather meteorologist Dan DePodwin said, “The strong winds impacting the fires in the Texas Panhandle are expected to continue Tuesday evening before easing to 15-25 mph after midnight.”
“Winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour are expected on Wednesday, which is much calmer than Tuesday. “This should help with firefighting efforts.”