Wildfires blazing across the Texas Panhandle have caused chaos, forcing evacuations, power outages, and a temporary shutdown of a nuclear weapons facility. The Smokehouse Creek Fire, having burned an astonishing 500,000 acres since Monday, now stands as the second-largest wildfire in Texas history. Fueled by gusty winds of up to 60 mph, dry conditions, and unusually warm temperatures, the flames have spread at a rapid pace of 150 football fields per minute according to CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller.

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 60 counties in response to the wildfires, urging Texans to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. Over 5,400 individuals were left without power on Wednesday morning as the blazes continued to spread. The wildfires have also forced evacuations in Skellytown, Wheeler, Allison, and Briscoe.

The Pantex plant, responsible for assembling and disassembling America's nuclear arsenal, had to evacuate most personnel as the fires encroached on its location. However, the facility has since reopened for normal operations after the danger receded. The Canadian Independent School District canceled classes for safety reasons on Wednesday due to the fires.

Despite the destruction and devastation wrought by the wildfires, there is a glimmer of hope for firefighters as the weather forecast predicts cooler temperatures, less wind, and the possibility of rain on Thursday. This change in weather conditions may aid in firefighting efforts and help contain the raging flames.