Lavender

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Lavender Fire ignited on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, approximately 5 miles south of Boys Ranch in Oldham County, Texas. The fire began along the U.S. Highway 385 corridor.
Size and Containment: As of February 21, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 18,423 acres and is reported to be 40-50% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been fueled by critically dry, "waist-high" grass and extreme wind conditions. It exhibited rapid growth initially, pushed by strong west winds with gusts reaching 50-60 mph. The fire quickly crossed key roadways, including FM 1061 (Tascosa Road), and spread toward the Canadian River.
Containment Efforts: Response teams include the Texas A&M Forest Service and multiple local volunteer fire departments. Crews have been utilizing heavy equipment to construct containment lines and have been engaging in structure protection, particularly around the Valley De Oro community.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuations were issued for the Valley De Oro community and areas between Tascosa Road (FM 1061) and U.S. Highway 287 in north-central Potter County.
Evacuation Shelters: A primary shelter was established at The Church at Bushland, located at 1800 S FM 2381, Amarillo, TX 79124.
Animal Evacuation: While no specific large animal shelter was officially listed for this incident, local agricultural groups like the Kansas Livestock Association and Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association often coordinate relief. Residents with livestock should contact local emergency management for specific guidance.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. Highway 385: Impacted south of Tascosa.
• FM 1061 (Tascosa Road): The fire crossed this road north of Saddleback Drive, leading to closures and traffic control in the area.
• U.S. Highway 287: The corridor in north-central Potter County was listed as an impacted area.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer
• Oldham County Emergency Management (Note: Verify local county page as URL may vary by specific local authority)
• Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There are currently no reported injuries or fatalities associated directly with the Lavender Fire.
Structures Impacted: The fire has threatened over 1,100 homes in the broader region, with specific threats to the Valley De Oro community. Firefighters have been successful in protecting many structures, including local churches and homes, though damage assessments are ongoing.
School and Business Closures: Unlike the widespread closures seen in previous years, Boys Ranch ISD appears to be operational, with reports of student athletic teams advancing to playoffs as of February 18. No specific school closures for Oldham County have been confirmed for this week, though residents should monitor local district alerts for changes.
Power Outages: Xcel Energy implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) earlier in the week to reduce wildfire risk, affecting thousands of customers. Most power has since been restored, though weather-related outages may persist.

Safety Concerns:
Burn Bans: Strict burn bans are likely in effect across the Panhandle due to the critical fire weather.
Air Quality: Smoke from the Lavender Fire and other regional fires (such as the 8 Ball Fire) may impact air quality in Amarillo and surrounding areas.
Fire Weather: The region remains under a Red Flag Warning, meaning any spark could cause a new, rapidly spreading fire.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters are making good progress, with containment reaching near 50%. However, the threat remains due to the volatile combination of dry fuels and wind.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect. Forecasts call for continued sunny and dry conditions with wind gusts that could hamper containment efforts. A shift in winds or increased gusts could cause the fire to flare up or change direction.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The specific cause of the Lavender Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid spread is directly linked to extreme fire weather conditions, characterized by low relative humidity (dropping to 10-15%) and high winds (gusts of 50-70 mph). These conditions are exacerbated by a "dormant fire season" where freeze-cured grasses provide abundant, highly flammable fuel.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Twitter/X (For real-time updates)
• Watch Duty - Lavender Fire
• Amarillo National Weather Service (For fire weather forecasts)