Wildfires

Following last months announcements of his leave of absence, Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is suing the NCAA, seeking eligibility for the 2026 football season. KTTZ’s Samantha Larned reports on the lawsuit. Texas firefighters continue to monitor conditions in the Plains and Panhandle region after four straight days of fighting wildfires from eastern New Mexico to the Caprock Canyons. Fire danger conditions are expected to decrease as the week progresses.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a new letter on support for the U.S. Forest Service as wildfires continue to threaten much of the western United States. Our Charley Maranville reports the first half of this year has already been very busy for first responders. Fire management experts say land owners will need to opt in to prevention methods, like prescribed burning, and fire departments will have to collaborate across county and state lines.

Many of the nation's overgrown forests are at high risk of burning. Under the Trump administration, work to reduce flammable vegetation fell by more than a million acres compared to previous years.

Severe weather is happening more frequently as the climate changes, adding to an ever-growing list of challenges for U.S. farmers. From sudden temperature swings to floods, these events can have serious consequences for farms and ranches.

The National Weather Service has announced that a Fire Weather Watch is in effect from noon until 9 p.m. today for the South Plains region. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on how a warm and dry winter contributed to increased fire risk this spring. Starting today, Texas won't allow people to SNAP benefits to purchase “candy” and “sweetened drinks.” KERA’s Abigail Ruhman reports that retailers have spent months preparing for the restrictions.

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.