Wildfires sweeping across Texas have posed a serious threat to the Pantex Plant, America's main nuclear weapons facility, forcing its evacuation temporarily. The Windy Deuce fire, one of several blazes in the area, was burning 40,000 acres at 20% containment as of Wednesday morning. The largest fire, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, had spread across 500,000 acres — now more than half the size of Rhode Island and 11 times the size of Washington D.C.

The situation prompted Republican Governor Greg Abbott to issue a disaster declaration for 60 counties in the state. Evacuation orders were issued in multiple locations, with officials urging residents to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Homes have been lost, especially in Fritch where many were actively on fire.

The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for several states due to high winds exceeding 40 mph, warm temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation contributing to the fire danger. Officials have not determined the cause of the fires, which have torn through sparsely populated counties, prompting authorities to encourage Texans to limit activities that could generate sparks.

Pantex Plant, located about 17 miles northeast of Amarillo, re-opened after the brief shutdown and is back to its normal operations. Other fires across the state, such as the Grape Vine Creek fire and the Magenta fire, are also being contained to varying degrees. Evacuations have been ordered in towns like Canadian and Miami, with warnings urging preparedness for residents.

This ongoing wildfire crisis in Texas serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature, as officials continue to work tirelessly to contain the blazes and keep communities safe.