Potter/Randall 2011 Wildfire Summary

The 2011 year remains the driest start to a year ever for Amarillo.  From Jan 1 – June 6, Amarillo has received just 0.68 inches of precipitation.  The previous record was 2.87 inches back in 1953.  Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel as the top 5 driest starts to the year have not ended in the top 5 driest years on record.

The 2011 Wildfire Season has been an active one for Potter and Randall Counties.  The Amarillo NWS has issued 43 Red Flag Warnings for the Potter/Randall area.  The Emergency Operations Center has opened 42 times due to increased fire weather conditions for both actives fires and fire monitoring. The more significant fires have burned a total of 48,123 acres and destroyed 82 homes and 142 outbuildings.  The continued forecasted drought conditions reminds us to stay fast to fire prevention practices and keep emergency and evacuation plans in mind.

Below is a summary of the 2011 season.