From a firefighter injured while responding to an apartment fire to changes in drought restrictions, several developments are making news across the Texas Panhandle. Here’s a quick look at some of the stories and community updates to know.
Firefighter Injured Responding to Amarillo Apartment Fire
An Amarillo firefighter suffered non-critical injuries while responding to a dryer fire at an apartment complex Saturday night. The Amarillo Fire Department said an alarm sounded around 11:06 p.m. at 5601 South Bell, with crews arriving about three minutes later. Firefighters found no active fire after entering the building and determined the dryer fire was already out. Crews cleared nearby apartments, and one firefighter was transported from the scene with non-critical injuries. AFD said the incident was treated as a two-alarm fire because of the number of people in the area and was under control by about 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
Amarillo Blood Donors Answered the Call After 9/11
Amarillo-area residents were among thousands who donated blood following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Coffee Memorial Blood Center collected about 750 units over several days, while roughly 2,500 people donated across what is now Our Blood Institute. Some blood products collected in Amarillo were flown to New York City through a partnership with Tinker Air Force Base. The response became so large that Coffee Memorial eventually asked residents to wait at least two weeks before donating again to help prevent blood from going unused. In 2021, OBI CEO Dr. John Armitage created the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps to provide blood during mass-casualty events, including after the June 2023 Perryton tornado. OBI officials say disasters often bring an influx of donors, but the need for blood continues every day.
Amarillo Program Distributes More Than 600 Free Car Seats
Amarillo Public Health’s Safe Kids/Healthy Amarillo program distributed 615 free car seats to local families from Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, according to the City of Amarillo. The program provides age-appropriate car seats along with education on proper installation and maintenance. Since 2022, the program has distributed 2,001 seats, with participation expanding through outreach events in Potter and Randall counties. There are no specific eligibility requirements, and seats are provided based on a child’s age, height and weight, subject to availability. Families can schedule a 30- to 45-minute appointment or get more information by calling Amarillo Public Health at 806-378-6360.
Dumas Eases Drought Restrictions to Stage Three
The City of Dumas has moved to Stage Three of its Drought Contingency Plan after operating under Stage Four restrictions since early July. Under Stage Three, residents with even-numbered addresses may water lawns and gardens Sundays and Thursdays, while those with odd-numbered addresses may water Saturdays and Wednesdays. City operations will follow the same schedule, although park irrigation may be adjusted based on park and visitor needs. Watering the golf course with city water remains prohibited, and water from fire hydrants is no longer available for construction use. Stage Three will remain in effect until further notice, with officials urging residents to conserve water to help maintain adequate drinking water capacity, pressure and volume.
Pampa Sets Public Hearing on Proposed Tax Increase
The Pampa City Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 201 W. Kingsmill St., in the third-floor Commission Chambers. Commissioners will hear comments on a proposal to increase total property tax revenue from properties on the tax roll by 4.73% for the upcoming tax year. If the city adopts the proposed rate of $0.663921 per $100 of taxable value, taxes on an average homestead valued at $133,237 would total $884.59. Individual property tax bills could increase or decrease depending on changes in taxable values and the final tax rate. Commissioners will also consider the first reading of an ordinance amending fees for Animal Control Services.
BSA Welcomes 203 Babies in August
BSA Health System welcomed 203 babies in August, well above its typical monthly total. BSA officials said the hospital averages about 165 births per month, making August a particularly busy month for its maternity teams. Hospital officials said surpassing 200 deliveries reflects both the growing needs of the community and the work of teams caring for mothers, babies and families. BSA also thanked the families who chose the health system to be part of the milestone moments surrounding their children’s births.
