Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas is now state’s second-largest blaze on record after scorching more than 500,000 acres – with flames spreading at rate of 150 football fields EVERY MINUTE [Video]

09:45 EST 28 Feb 2024 , updated 12:42 EST 28 Feb 2024

Wildfires sweeping across the Texas Panhandle have prompted evacuations, power outages and temporarily shutdown a nuclear weapons facility.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned 500,000 acres since igniting on Monday, making it the second-largest wildfire on record in the Lone Star state, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The flames have spread at an average rate of 150 football field per minute, according to CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller. 

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties in response to the wildfires.

‘Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe,’ Abbott said.

Over 5,400 people in Texas were without power Wednesday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.