The City of Amarillo has released a public statement addressing the ongoing reviews and investigations into the Stinky Fire, saying officials remain committed to understanding what happened while asking the public to allow those processes to run their course.
In the statement, city officials acknowledged the impact the wildfire had on residents, first responders and the community.
The City of Amarillo recognizes the significant impact the landfill fire has had on residents, families, and first responders. We understand why our community is seeking answers and remains committed to a thorough review of this incident. The city appreciates the community's desire for clarity and accountability following this serious incident.
According to the city, several formal reviews remain underway. Those include an operational review of landfill practices, including issues identified in a notice of violation issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, as well as a broader review of landfill operations.
The Amarillo Fire Department is also preparing an after-action report examining the city's firefighting response, while the State Fire Marshal's Office is conducting its own investigation into the incident.
City officials said the reviews are intended to better understand the fire, evaluate landfill operations and emergency response efforts, identify lessons learned and improve preparedness for future emergencies.
The city also addressed the recent release and discussion of portions of investigative information, cautioning that excerpts may not reflect the full scope of the incident.
City leadership has been made aware that small portions of the released information are being discussed or quoted without giving the public the full context of the entire event described in the information. The city encourages the public to read any such released information or reports carefully and understand that it reflects only a part of the overall situation and does not include the complete context of all the conversations, decisions, and operational details involved in this complex emergency event.
Officials said they will not comment on specific operational issues while investigations are ongoing.
Because the city of Amarillo is committed to a full review of this matter, the city cannot responsibly comment on specific operational issues while those processes are underway. As these reviews are completed and legal constraints allow, the city intends to share as much information as it responsibly can with the public. In the meantime, the city remains focused on cooperating fully with all investigating agencies and on protecting the long-term interests of the Amarillo community.
According to Potter County Fire Rescue's final incident narrative and the Texas A&M Forest Service damage summary referenced in that report, the Stinky Fire burned 2,323 acres. The fire destroyed 52 occupied homes, eight unoccupied homes and 132 outbuildings, while threatening hundreds of additional structures. Firefighters from numerous agencies successfully defended more than 670 homes and outbuildings.
