Texas Declares Disaster as Wildfires Sweep Panhandle
"Devastating" wildfires in Texas have led to a disaster declaration for 60 counties and evacuation orders in parts of the Texas Panhandle. The Pantex Nuclear Weapons Plant in Amarillo has evacuated nonessential personnel as a precaution, and wildfires have also prompted hospital and nursing home evacuations in northwestern Oklahoma. The fires, fueled by warm, dry, and windy conditions, have damaged over 40 houses in Fritch and led to mandatory and voluntary evacuations in several towns and communities. Gov. Greg Abbott warned that the wildfires could worsen due to high temperatures and windy conditions, urging Texans to take precautions to stay safe.