Rising From The Ashes
The Smokehouse Creek Fire ignited in Hutchinson County on Feb. 26 and burned more than 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle, making it the largest wildfire in Texas history. Our thanks to the Hemphill, Hutchinson, Gray, and Roberts County Judges for sharing their perspectives:
Hemphill County Judge Lisa Johnson
While the Smokehouse Creek fire has changed our landscape, it has not changed who we are. Who we are is a community who shows up for each other, who puts our neighbors’ needs before our own. This was demonstrated by our first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and property, and even more incredibly so by those who continued to work after finding out that they were among those whose homes had been destroyed. It was demonstrated again when neighbors began helping neighbors immediately after returning from evacuation. It continues to be demonstrated not only by our wonderful local residents, but by those across the Panhandle and the great State of Texas who continue to show up for us.
This Smokehouse Creek Fire is now the largest wildfire in Texas history, and while this is not the part of history we wanted to make, what I believe will remain in our hearts is the gratitude that is sustaining us now. Gratitude for every kindness that has been shown and for what remains…our resolve. Resolve to keep showing up and lifting up our neighbors because that is who we are in Canadian and Hemphill County.
Our hearts break for the family of Cindy Owens who tragically lost her life as a result of this fire and for those in our community and across the Panhandle who lost their homes, property, and livestock. We will be with you throughout the long process of rebuilding. You are not alone.
We have felt the love and prayers for our community, not just from our home State of Texas, but from across the country. We ask that you continue to lift us up going forward. We will rise from these ashes.
Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin
It has definitely been a difficult and challenging few days, but the Texas Panhandle is resilient and strong. We have seen so much devastation, but in its midst is a spirit of togetherness as the communities in Hutchinson County have come together in their efforts to help and begin the process of rebuilding. We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of generosity we have seen from not only the State of Texas, but across the United States. Firefighters and crews have come from all over the state to help us battle the wildfires, and we are forever grateful to them. I can’t say enough about my emergency management team, road and bridge crew, sheriff’s department, AgriLife Extension agents, the Borger Fire Department, our volunteer fire departments, area law enforcement agencies, and all of the county employees who have worked countless hours in the midst of this disaster. We have had great support from our state agencies also, and they have kept in constant contact with us to check on our needs. We pray for our neighbors who have also been devastated by these wildfires, and we will be here to help them in any way possible. Texas is a great place to live.
Roberts County Judge Mitchell Locke
The people of the Panhandle deal with grassfires almost yearly, but what we saw on the 26th and 27th of February was something few have faced. Almost everyone in the Northeast Panhandle was touched in some way by these fires. The devastation will be long term and far reaching, but if there is a group of people that can face a tragedy of this magnitude head-on, it is my friends and neighbors of Roberts County and the Panhandle. Recovery from these fires will take months if not years, but the outpouring of support from all over the nation will help make this burden a little easier to bear. The generosity given to our area has been awesome in the truest sense of the word. I am humbled by it. I knew this area was full of tough, hard-working, compassionate people, and after seeing it on full display over the last two weeks, I am truly honored to represent the people of Roberts County and to be able to call this part of the world home.
Thank you to the Miami Volunteer Fire Department, the Roberts County Road Department, the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office, Joe Minshew and Chief Kidd of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Hannah Sell and Josh Brooks of Texas AgriLife Extension, Judge Johnson, Judge Porter, Judge Irwin, the numerous oil companies that provided support, and all the others too numerous to name. Finally, thank you to the citizens of Roberts County. They are what make this state and county special.
Gray County Judge Chris Porter
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by these fires. While the devastation and loss is felt by us all, some of us were much more fortunate than others. Our courageous first responders worked so hard to assist others, placing themselves in harm’s way and defending our people and property. They have earned our gratitude and appreciation more than we will ever be able to express in words. The outpouring of support from so many is at times overwhelming. Our state has stepped up to meet each challenge and is continuing to do so today. We will continue to support and work with our neighbors to do whatever is necessary to recover, rebuild, and regrow. Tragedies, catastrophes, and disasters always bring out the best in all Texans. Every day I am reminded of how special all of us are and blessed to be from the Great State of Texas.
