Smooth Eddy

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Smooth Eddy Fire was reported on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 4:45 PM. The fire ignited in Hansford County, Texas, located roughly 20.1 miles west of Spearman, TX.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates on April 11, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 552 acres and is currently 60% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by short grass (1 foot) and tall grass (2.5 feet). With higher fine-dead fuel moisture currently in the region, rangeland fuels are exhibiting moderated fire behavior. In areas where no rainfall has occurred, maximum head fire rates of spread are estimated around 165 feet per minute with flame lengths of approximately 12 feet.
Containment Efforts: The response involves coordination between the Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TXTIC) and the Oklahoma Division of Forestry. Fire crews have made significant progress, reaching 60% containment.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Smooth Eddy Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no active evacuation warnings reported at this time.
Curfew: No curfews have been issued.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters have been opened, and the estimated number of people impacted by evacuations is zero.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are currently no road or infrastructure closures related to the Smooth Eddy Fire. All major roadways in Hansford County appear to remain open at this time.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Current Incidents
• Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TXTIC)
• DriveTexas - Highway Conditions

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Smooth Eddy Fire.
Structures Impacted: There are no reports indicating that any structures have been damaged, destroyed, or threatened by this fire.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported in Spearman or the wider Hansford County area.
Notable Impacts: The fire has primarily burned through rural grassland, minimizing the impact on populated communities, notable people, and key infrastructure.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no reported power outages related to this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported.
Burn Bans: Residents should check with local county authorities for active outdoor burning restrictions, as burn bans are frequently enacted in the region during periods of high fire danger.
Air Quality: While no specific air quality alerts have been issued for this fire, smoke from wildfires can pose health risks. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality and stay indoors if smoke becomes visible or pungent.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Fire crews have successfully reached 60% containment. Moderated fire behavior due to recent rain chances and elevated dewpoint temperatures—holding afternoon relative humidity values at +40%—is aiding ongoing containment efforts.
Weather and Wind Warnings: South-southwest winds sustained at 18-24 mph, with gusts topping 30 mph, are expected to develop in the Panhandle. While current conditions are moderated, impending near-critical to critical fire weather—characterized by high winds and low humidity expected by Monday and Tuesday—could pose a risk for extreme fire behavior if the fire is not fully contained.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Smooth Eddy Fire is currently unknown and remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Lightning ignition potential has been a concern in the broader Panhandle region, though recent rainfall and elevated dewpoint temperatures have temporarily mitigated new wildfire potential. However, the region's dormant vegetation and impending near-critical to critical fire weather continue to pose a significant underlying climate and weather-driven risk for extreme fire behavior.

For more information, visit:

• Texas A&M Forest Service Current Incidents
• Texas Interagency Coordination Center (TXTIC)
• DriveTexas - Highway Conditions