Travis County firefighters deploying to assist in panhandle fires

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Travis County Emergency Services District 1 firefighters are headed to the Texas panhandle to assist in fighting several large blazes burning more than 275,000 acres.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the blaze has closed down major highways, and several counties has been evacuated.

TCESD1 is joining the Killeen Fire Department, Kyle Fire Department/Hays County ESD No. 5, Pflugerville Fire Departments/Travis County ESD #2, Temple Fire and Rescue and Moffett Fire Department to serve on what TCESD1 called an Engine Strike Team, the agency said on social media.

FMO Zach Harrell and Driver Dylan Fischer will deploy for up to 21 days, the agency said.

NWS said the fires were about 20-25 miles north of Amarillo. With a cold front coming into Amarillo from the south, NWS said the north wind will continue to blow smoke into the city.

According to the weather service, mandatory evacuations were in effect for Skellytown, Wheeler, Allison and Briscoe. An evacuation was also in place for the City of Pampa, but was later lifted shortly after 8 p.m.

You can find the latest evacuation updates and details on the growing fires here.

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