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What was the largest wildfire in Texas history?

Multiple fires are currently scorching the Texas Panhandle, causing evacuations, power outages and more.

TEXAS, USA — As multiple wildfires burn throughout the Texas Panhandle, the Smokehouse Creek Fire has quickly become the second-largest fire in Texas History. 

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the fire has burned 500,000 acres of land in Hutchinson County as of noon on Wednesday, Feb. 28. 

The fire is still 0% contained, causing many to wonder how big this disaster will get and how many people it will impact. Evacuations have been ordered and power outages are widespread in many areas near the fire. 

So, how does this compare to the largest wildfire in Texas history?

According to the Forest Service, the East Amarillo Complex in Hutchinson County was recorded as the largest fire in Texas history after it burned 907,245 acres on March 12, 2006. 

The fire also led to the deaths of 13 people.

The next biggest wildfire, prior to the Smokehouse Creek Fire, was the Big Country Fire. This one burned about 366,000 acres around Shackelford and Callahan County on March 10, 1988, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. 

For a deeper look into the history of some of the largest Texas wildfires, visit here. 

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