Stinky Fire in Potter County destroys 52 homes, damages several others

Officials in Potter County on Wednesday delivered a sobering update on the Stinky Fire, confirming widespread residential destruction while emphasizing that containment efforts continue to make steady progress.

The wildfire, which tore through neighborhoods off Tascosa Road between May 17 and May 19 amid powerful 50 to 60 mph winds, has now burned approximately 2,335 acres and is 85% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Emergency leaders described the fire as one of the most devastating disasters the Amarillo-Canyon area has experienced.

Preliminary damage assessments released during a Wednesday afternoon press conference showed that 52 homes were destroyed. One home sustained major damage, seven homes had minor damage, and 17 additional homes were affected in some capacity.

“It brings it to a total of 77 homes that were touched in some way by this fire,” said Max Dunlap, director of the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management, noting the count does not include barns, sheds, or other structures.

Dunlap joined Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner, Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas, and Potter County Fire Chief Richard Lake in addressing residents and outlining recovery efforts.

“It’s extremely heart-sinking with this damage, but there were numerous homes that were saved from efforts of the fire chief and his team along with fire personnel on the ground,” Dunlap said. “When we see some of the footage that we saw in the Operation Center, it was very, very hard earned on that.”

As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, all mandatory evacuation orders tied to the fire had been lifted, allowing residents to return home. Officials, however, warned that the area remains dangerous.

“We ask that you continue to use caution as it is still a dangerous area,” Dunlap said.

Power has largely been restored in impacted neighborhoods, though officials said some residents may still need electrical repairs before service can fully resume.

Sheriff Brian Thomas urged people who do not live in the affected communities to stay away from the burn zone as recovery and assessment operations continue.

“Put yourself in those people’s shoes,” Thomas said. “If it was your house that burned down and was lost, would you want someone driving around taking pictures of it?”

Law enforcement officers will continue increased patrols throughout Bishop Estates, Bishop Hills, Indian Hills, and Eagle Tree neighborhoods. Thomas said residents should report suspicious activity to the Potter County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff also warned that anticipated rainfall could create new hazards because vegetation and topsoil were stripped away by the fire, increasing the risk of flooding.

Fire officials said suppression efforts are beginning to transition into long-term monitoring operations.

Chief Richard Lake said fire apparatus will be pulled from the area beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday to allow exhausted crews to recover after extended operations. Rotating engine patrols will continue overnight, and a Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System strike team will monitor the area during daylight hours Thursday.

“We’re hoping that we’re going to be able to call this fire contained and pull resources off of it,” Lake said. “Most likely for the next few days, there’ll be a heavy presence of trucks continually rotating through the neighborhood.”

Officials said they expect containment to increase further by the end of the night.

Questions about the cause of the fire remain unresolved. Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper said investigators likely will never identify a single definitive ignition source.

He explained that landfill-related fires can result from lithium batteries, household chemicals, or other materials reacting under certain conditions.

“There’s no way we can go back and pinpoint a single item that caused this,” Hooper said.

As families begin navigating the aftermath, local organizations and volunteers are mobilizing to support displaced residents.

The Amarillo Area Foundation is accepting monetary donations through its Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund. Officials said financial contributions are preferred because they allow aid organizations to respond more quickly to specific needs.

Physical donations are being accepted at the Downtown Women’s Center Thrift City at 812 SW 10th Ave., Bushland ISD administration offices, and Potter County Fire Station No. 3.

Dunlap said residents in need of long-term housing assistance can contact 2-1-1 for help accessing resources through Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, which has partnered with Airbnb to assist displaced families.

Community leaders repeatedly praised the coordinated response among local agencies, state resources, and volunteers.

Mutual aid departments from across the region, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Amarillo emergency crews, all assisted with firefighting and recovery operations.

Gov. Greg Abbott also announced that FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Stinky Fire, making the state eligible for up to 75% reimbursement for qualifying wildfire suppression costs.

Judge Nancy Tanner reflected emotionally on the losses suffered by area residents.

“This is a sad day. 52 people are without homes,” Tanner said. “Keep the prayers coming.”

Despite the destruction, officials emphasized that the community’s response has demonstrated resilience and unity.

“It never ceases to astonish me how well we pull together when others are in need,” Amarillo Area Foundation CEO Keralee Clay said, “and it makes us one of the best places in the world to live.”

Dunlap closed the briefing with a message aimed at residents still reeling from the disaster.

“This is our home,” he said. “We fight for it every day. We fight for those next to us and fight for those in front of us. Always.”