FRITCH, Texas — The path of destruction left behind by this week’s wildfires in the panhandle hit a tiny town of less than 2,000 people hard.
Local officials leading evacuation and recovery efforts in Fritch, which is just to the east of Borger and northwest of Amarillo, say that over 100 homes and maybe more have been lost to the Windy Deuce fire, which is 142,000 acres and 50% contained as of Thursday night.
State fire officials will likely have a better number of structures damaged Friday when Gov. Greg Abbott visits Borger and surveys the damage in the area.
Electricity is back on for most of the town, but a boil notice remains. Those displaced and impacted by the blaze are taking refuge inside the Celebration of Family Church, which is offering shelter, food, and water.
Some church members are even helping area ranchers with hay for cattle that have been saved from the fire.
The Windy Deuce fire began just three days ago at a measly 750 acres and intensely grew because of the unseasonably warm temps and humidity.
Strong winds also didn’t help with firefighting efforts.
Navy veteran Jerry Harrah lost his home and his dogs—telling WFAA that the fire moved like it had a mind of its own.
“Everybody is still in a fog,” Harrah said. “It was like a blow torch. The house on the street over was on fire, and I thought ‘hmm…that isn’t good.’ It went through my place like it was designated to take me out."
Some relief came to the region Thursday by way of cooler temps and weaker winds, along with snow and sleet.
But warmer temperatures return on Friday and Saturday, along with the wind.
Harrah isn’t looking forward to the tough steps he’ll have to take next—but finds comfort in his community that continues to fight on.
“That’s why I’ll never leave Fritch. When there’s someone in need—people step up. Like you see in this church.”