Texas Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Texas - May 20, 2026

Overview

Texas is experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by a combination of deep drought conditions, critically dry fuels, and strong winds across the High Plains, Caprock, Panhandle, and West Texas regions. Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources and renewed a disaster proclamation for dozens of counties to manage these critical wildfire conditions alongside incoming severe weather.
The current National Preparedness Level is 2, while the Texas Wildfire Preparedness Level is currently at 3, reflecting the active fire environment and the heavy commitment of state suppression resources.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Texas, particularly concentrated in the Panhandle and West Texas. The Texas A&M Forest Service and local crews are actively engaged in suppression efforts. The potential for new, significant wildfires remains high as dry surface fuels are exposed to critical fire weather. Firefighters are working aggressively to contain these fires while simultaneously preparing for potential new starts triggered by dry lightning and strong outflow winds.

Key Fires:

• Stinky Fire: Located 10 miles west of Amarillo, TX, this fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior with wind-driven runs and flanking. It is fueled by highly receptive dry grass and brush. Numerous residences are threatened, and evacuations are currently in effect.
• Kress Fire: Located 13 miles north of Plainview, TX, this fire is showing active fire behavior with wind-driven runs and flanking. It is burning primarily in grass fuels.
• Blue Diamond Fire: Located 30 miles northwest of Amarillo, TX, this fire is burning in brush and grass. It is currently exhibiting minimal fire behavior with flanking and smoldering, though structures remain threatened.
• Cherokee Fire: Located 25 miles southwest of Clarendon, TX. Fueled by grass and brush, this fire has exhibited extreme behavior including wind-driven runs, uphill runs, and torching. Residences have been threatened, and road closures remain in effect.
• Hunggate Fire: Located south of Canyon, TX, this fire burned 1,137 acres of grass and brush and was recently brought to 100% containment. Crews continue to monitor the area for hotspots.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the elevated fire risk, numerous outdoor burn bans have been implemented by county judges and commissioners courts across the state. Residents are strongly urged to avoid all outdoor burning, including trash, brush, and agricultural fires. Activities that generate sparks, such as welding or using metal-bladed equipment, should be postponed. The state disaster proclamation allows officials to bypass regulatory red tape to rapidly deploy emergency response resources and personnel for fuel mitigation and fire suppression.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Extremely critical fire weather conditions are present in the High Plains and Caprock. Temperatures have reached the high-90s with relative humidity dropping below 10%, and sustained wind speeds around 30 mph.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings and fire weather watches are in effect for large portions of the Texas Panhandle and West Texas. A strong cold front is moving across the state, bringing a wind shift from the north during the evening and overnight hours. This system also threatens to produce severe weather, including large hail, wind gusts over 75 mph, possible tornadoes, and severe flash flooding through mid-week. The combination of gusty winds and dry vegetation means that any new ignitions could outpace suppression efforts with rapid rates of spread.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents in areas facing increased wildfire danger are advised to avoid any activities that could ignite sparks, such as dragging trailer chains, outdoor grilling, or parking on dry vegetation. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, prepare supply kits, and heed all evacuation orders from local officials. Report any smoke or fire immediately.
Resource Allocation: State emergency personnel are simultaneously deployed to manage critical wildfire conditions and severe weather response efforts. Agencies are pre-positioning resources and heavy equipment to ensure an efficient and effective response statewide as conditions fluctuate.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Texas A&M Forest Service Current Wildfire Status: tfsweb.tamu.edu
Texas Division of Emergency Management: tdem.texas.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.