Smokehouse Creek fire now 100% contained
There is a big sigh of relief in the Texas Panhandle. After nearly three weeks, the Smokehouse Creek fire is finally 100 percent contained.
It was the largest and most destructive wildfire in state history, scorching more than 1 million acres, along with dozens of houses and structures.
Two people along with thousands of livestock were killed.
Officials believe the fire was started by power lines. One utility company, Xcel Energy admitted that some of their equipment may have played a role.
This week the U.S. Small Business Administration approved disaster loans for families impacted by the fires. The Texas Farm Bureau, the Department of Agriculture and many local livestock groups are also helping to get supplies to ranchers and farmers who lost so much of their livelihoods.
The road to recovery will still be long though and north Texans are stepping up to help our neighbors in need.
Texans on a Mission, formerly known as the Texas Baptist Men, has been there since day one. They say they still have about 85 people in the Panhandle town of Fritch and plan to be there for at least the next few weeks helping with everything from debris removal to laundry. Although, maybe most importantly providing comfort and community for those families who have lost everything.
"Talking to the survivors just hit me the hardest," said Russ Dilday, the Special Projects Coordinator for Texans on a Mission. "I'm now half as tough as most of these folks are."
Texans on a Mission says it is still looking for donations of hay and feed to help out the many ranchers who depended on the now scorched lands for their livelihoods.
Watch the full interview with CBS Texas Meteorologist Jeff Ray and Russ Dilday with Texans on a Mission below.
