Texas Wildfire History

The major wildfires that shaped Texas — and why today’s risk looks the way it does. The largest on this list, the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, burned about 1058K acres.

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Major Texas wildfires

  1. 2024

    Smokehouse Creek Fire

    · 1,058,000 acres

    The largest wildfire in Texas history, across the Panhandle northeast of Amarillo.

  2. 2011

    Bastrop County Complex

    · 34,000 acres

    Destroyed ~1,600 homes in the Lost Pines — the most destructive in Texas history.

  3. 2006

    East Amarillo Complex

    · 907,000 acres

    A massive Panhandle grass-fire complex that killed 12 people.

Figures are rounded from official sources (CAL FIRE, NIFC, state forestry agencies) for well-documented incidents. For the full federal record, see InciWeb and NIFC.

Texas wildfire history — frequently asked

What was the largest wildfire in Texas history?

The largest wildfire on this Texas timeline is the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, which burned about 1,058,000 acres. The largest wildfire in Texas history, across the Panhandle northeast of Amarillo.

What was the most recent major wildfire in Texas?

The most recent major fire on this Texas timeline is the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire. The largest wildfire in Texas history, across the Panhandle northeast of Amarillo.

How many major wildfires has Texas had?

This Texas timeline documents 3 major recorded wildfires, from the 2006 to the 2024, drawn from official sources.

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