News Flash

KILLEEN, Texas (Feb. 29, 2024) – The City of Killeen Fire Department has deployed six firefighters and three vehicles to help battle the second largest wildfire in the state’s history. 

The Smokehouse Creek Fire is burning along the Texas Panhandle and has scorched more than 1,300 square miles, crossing over into the state of Oklahoma.

There are cluster of fires and Killeen’s Fire Department activated a brush truck and team of three to the “Windy Deuce” fire on Monday, a Strike Team leader and utility vehicle to Canadian, Texas on Tuesday night, a Strike Team leader and utility vehicle early Wednesday morning, and a TX-TF1 team member was activated Tuesday night for mobilization orders from College Station.

“This is early in the fire season, so I hope this is not an indicator of what we expect to see going forward,” Killeen Fire Chief Jim Kubinski said. “I’m very confident in our teams’ training and we always stand by ready to help.”

Officials have confirmed that one person has died, and the Texas A&M Forest Service confirmed the flames were only about three percent contained, as of last night. More than 50 homes have burned down and hundreds of evacuation orders are in place.

The Texas A&M Forest Service has raised the Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 3 due to an increase in large, active wildfires. Governor Greg Abbott has also issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties to ensure critical resources are swiftly deployed to communities impacted by wildfires. 

Dry conditions and above normal temperatures have resulted in areas of underlying dryness. With the addition of increased wind speeds, the fire environment is expected to support wildfire activity over the next few weeks. Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks & take precautions to keep their loved ones safe.

Officials are hoping the forecasted cooler temperatures, decreased winds and possible rain today will help with containment. A cause has not been confirmed.