KILLEEN, Texas (March 14, 2024) – The City of Killeen Fire Department will hold a press conference on Friday, March 15 with firefighters who deployed to the Texas Panhandle to assist with the Smokehouse Creek fire. It will be held at 11a.m. at the Central Fire Station (201 South 28th Street).
That fire is the largest wildfire in the state’s history and is now at least 89% contained, burning through more than a million acres in both Texas and Oklahoma.
Firefighters will be on hand to answer questions from media and discuss their experience working with joint teams and helping residents.
Killeen’s Fire Department activated six firefighters, including a brush truck and team of three to one of the fire clusters on Feb. 26, a Strike Team leader and utility vehicle to Canadian, Texas on Feb. 27, a Strike Team leader and utility vehicle on Feb. 28, and a TX-TF1 team member was activated for mobilization orders from College Station.
Overall, more than 250 personnel and 23 pieces of equipment from several agencies have assisted with the fire efforts.
The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level was raised to Level and Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties to ensure critical resources are swiftly deployed to communities impacted by wildfires. There are currently 70 counties with burn bans in place. Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks & take precautions to keep their loved ones safe.
The Texas A&M Forest Service confirms the wildfire ignited from powerlines in rough terrain and unfavorable weather conditions.