On Sunday, planes dropped fire retardant over the Texas Panhandle as firefighters battled the largest wildfire in state history. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, prompted an evacuation order for the small community of Sanford, with over 100 residents. The fire has consumed more than 1,900 square miles of rural areas around Amarillo, even spreading into neighboring Oklahoma.

As firefighters work to contain the wildfires, humanitarian organizations are focusing on aiding victims who have lost homes and livelihoods. Hutchinson County United Way is assisting residents, estimating over 150 homes impacted across several counties. Many affected individuals are uninsured and will struggle to rebuild without financial aid.

Efforts to help affected communities are underway, with an outpouring of donations overwhelming some areas. Borger city officials urged people to redirect donations from food and water to cleanup supplies like shovels, rakes, and heavy-duty trash bags. Monetary donations are crucial for organizations like Hutchinson County United Way, providing support to displaced families.

However, challenges persist in rural communities with limited temporary housing options. The devastation caused by the wildfires echoes previous disasters, such as the 2014 fire in Fritch. The lack of housing options poses a significant obstacle to residents seeking to rebuild their lives locally.

Despite efforts to contain the fires, challenges remain. The Smokehouse Creek fire, spanning over 1 million acres, is only 15% contained, while two other fires totaling 180,000 acres are 60% contained. Red flag warnings for extreme fire risk have been issued across several states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by the wildfires and the need for continued vigilance.