INCIDENT SUMMARY: The STINKY FIRE is burning in Eagle Park, near Amarillo (Potter County), Texas. TAMFS was requested by local Fire Agencies for assistance on May 17, 2026, when it was listed at five (5) acres with a 0% containment status.

CAUSE: Landfill fire.

EVACUATIONS: Potter County Sheriff’s Office, issued on May 17, 2026.

MAP CREDIT: TX A&M FOREST SERVICE

CURRENT STATUS: 2,570 acres. 50% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol and look for hot spots.

Extreme fire behavior with wind-driven runs and flanking.

Evacuations in effect.

Several structures have been lost.

Photo Credit (below): BlairSchaffer Potter County Commissioner Precinct 2

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

News Media (5/18/2026): Devastating to see the structures on fire due to the Stinky Fire. Our photojournalist has captured livestock running away from the fire and trying to find shelter, as seen in this image of a horse.

Local Resident (5/19/2026): #StinkyFire definitely something you don’t see everyday, our faith is strong every animal we had made it out of that house and yard, we are praying for all of our neighbors and every affected family and home that peace be with you guys to!

News Media (5/18/2026): Houses engulfed in flames.

News Media (5/19/2026): The Stinky fire, which began at the Amarillo landfill on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Weather Channel (5/19/2026): The Stinky Fire continues to burn in the Texas Panhandle just northwest of Amarillo. The fire began in a landfill and breached containment on Sunday.

Social Media Poster (5/18/2026): A welcoming site for the Stinky Fire. Coulson Aviation C-130H Hercules arriving to dump flame retardant on the fire.

Wild West Wildlife Rehab Center (5/18/2026): Update on the “Stinky Fire” (yes, that’s really what they’re calling it): We are unfortunately not out of the woods yet. A cold front is expected to move through around 11:00 p.m. tonight, which will shift the winds and once again place us in the fire’s projected path.

Photo Credit: Blair Schaffer Potter County Commissioner Precinct 2

Social Media Poster (5/19/2026): My in-laws lost their house, a truck, and a missing kitty due to the stinky fire.

Social Media Poster (5/19/2026): Last night my father in law and his family lost their home in the “Stinky” fire. They got out safely, but they lost everything.

C & C Homestead / Farm (5/18/2026): So many affected. Now homes are burning down in Amarillo from the “Stinky Fire.” We need rain. We need relief. The firefighters from all over have been going nonstop for days.

Groom VFD (5/18/2026): Quick Update. Over the past several days, we, like many other departments, have been fighting various wildfires in the area. As of now, we have one apparatus and two personnel on scene at the Stinky Fire in Potter County as part of the Carson County ESD 2 Strike Team. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken over the fires that have been occurring since late last week. Please continue to pray for our first responders, those directly affected, and for much-needed rain across the Panhandle

News Media (5/18/2026): ‘Stinky’ fire rekindles, escaping the Potter County landfill at Two Deer Trail. At 3:45 p.m., a voluntary evacuation was issued for Two Deer Trail, White Tail Ave, and Bishop Estates due to the wildfire.

(c) 2026 NW Fire Blog