TEXAS (U.S.) — Two fairly large wildfires, the LAVENDER FIRE and the 8 BALL FIRE, are almost contained that are raging inside the Lone Star State. A new wildfire is said to be burning today, called the BOWIE 1587 FIRE.
Fire Officials say these two major wildfires in the TX Panhandle near Amarillo are being fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. This is all happening while fire danger remains high, and within RED FLAG WARNINGS in parts of West Texas are in effect.
Here are the latest stats on these wildfires as of today’s date:
LAVENDER FIRE
Photo Credit: TX A&M Forest Service
The Lavendar Fire is in the County of Oldham and has burned about 18,423 acres of short grass and brush.
It is currently at a 95% containment status as of this afternoon’s update.
TX A&M Forest Service firefighters were requested on the afternoon of February 17, 2026, and are still in Unified Command with local resources.
Officials say the fire started about five (5) miles south of Boys Ranch along the US Hwy 385 corridor.
The Fire burned thousands of acres, which prompted mandatory evacuations for Valley De Oro in the northwestern part of Potter County due to westerly winds, as a fast-moving fire and gusting winds. Today, there is moderate fire behavior with croning runs and smoldering activities.
A shelter is open at the Church of Bushland, located at 1800 S. FM 2381.
There is a total of 96 personnel assigned to this incident.
The cause of this fire is undetermined at this time and is said to be under investigation.
No injuries to civilians or personnel have been reported.
8 BALL FIRE
Photo Credit: TX A&M Forest Service
The 8 Ball Fire broke out on February 17, 2026, approximately 12 miles west of Clarendon, along Hwy 287 corridor.
As a precaution, the City of Howardwick in Donley County issued mandatory evacuation orders due to fast-moving fire, gusty winds and moving at a high rate of spread.
The last update by Fire Officials at 1619 hours PT, states the fire has now been fully contained – though this does not mean the fire is completely out.
The fire burned about 13,500 acres of tall, thick grass and herbaceous juniper.
The fire, too, has been reported to have an undetermined cause and is under investigation by local and State Fire resources.
BOWIE 1587 FIRE
The Bowe 1587 Fire was said to be at a total of five (5) acres, with 0% containment status. It is burning in Bowie County.
Sources: TX A&M Incident Viewer
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