Wildfires

Elevated to critical fire weather is expected to persist across the South Plains and broader West Texas region as record-breaking March heat, strong winds and ongoing drought conditions continue to dry out vegetation. Officials warn that despite a brief cooldown from a passing cold front, wildfire risk will remain moderate into early next week, with recent fires in the Panhandle and South Plains underscoring the growing danger.

Both of Texas Tech’s basketball teams begin play in the NCAA Tournament today, looking to bounce back from winless stints in the Big 12 Tournament. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down the matchups. Meanwhile, Texas fire officials are keeping a close watch over the weekend amid what has already been a busy season for firefighters.

A study is starting soon from Texas Tech University researchers within the Department of Natural Resource Management, utilizing new technology to study rangeland recovery two years after the devastating Smokehouse Creek Fire.

Wildfires swept through Northwestern Oklahoma last month, including the Ranger Road Fire that burned hundreds of thousands of acres in Beaver, Harper and Woods Counties. The immediate danger is gone, but people are only beginning to recover from the toll on their homes, livestock and emotional well-being.

Yesterday, Lubbock County officially opened its new Medical Examiner’s Office, bringing death investigations back to Lubbock after years of outsourcing autopsies. Officials gathered in the panhandle this week for the anniversary of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in Texas history. The 2025 legislative session passed several improvements to the state’s wildfire preparedness, but our Brad Burt reports that lawmakers say the work is not yet done.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and electricity provider Xcel Energy have reached a settlement related to the 2024 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. Our Brad Burt has more on the agreement. And as elevated fire conditions continue this week, our reporter Bishop Van Buren has an update. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging agribusinesses in Texas hit by the wildfires to seek financial aid. Click here for more information.

Firefighters have been battling blazes across the Panhandle and the northwest part of Oklahoma for days now. The majority of them aren't getting paid.

Today is the first day of early voting in the Texas primary elections, with various federal, state, and local offices on the ballot. Early voting runs through Feb. 27. Texas is boosting wildfire preparedness across the state, with new funding for volunteer firefighters and emergency plans. Our Bishop Van Buren reports this comes as fire danger in the region is on the rise.

Lubbock County Precinct 2’s Jason Corley was back in the courthouse Monday, returning as county commissioner, as the county's "resign-to-run" legal battle continues. Meanwhile, Texas is expected to see unusually warm and dry weather through the end of the year. KTTZ reporter Bishop Van Buren breaks down how this elevated fire risk affects West Texas.

After cooler temperatures arrived this week, post-cold front conditions are now driving elevated fire danger across parts of West Texas. Our Bishop Van Buren reports the Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to over 130 wildfire incidents this October. Lubbock’s city council has voted to repeal a recent ordinance update that would’ve required permits, annual fees, and false call fines for owners of alarm systems that alert the police electronically.