AMARILLO, TX — Drought, lightning and high winds fed a cluster of wildfires across the Texas Panhandle and nearby parts of Oklahoma and New Mexico over the weekend. Officials kept red flag warnings in place Sunday as fire crews worked to contain several large blazes and reopen roads.
Some evacuation notices were lifted by Sunday night, but officials still warned that blowing dust and smoke-like conditions could remain in burn areas because of strong winds and scorched ground.
Potter and Randall counties
In Potter County, the Stinky Fire near the Amarillo landfill was listed at 5 acres and 5% contained late Sunday. Authorities lifted a voluntary evacuation notice for Two Deer Trail, Bishop Estates and Quail Canyon, and RM 1061 at FM 2381 reopened.
In Randall County, the Hunggate Fire remained the largest active blaze in the area at an estimated 34,124 acres and 95% contained. It started Thursday and prompted evacuations that were lifted earlier Sunday, while officials said the fire had destroyed a railroad trestle and merged with the Chocolate Chip fire.
Oldham and Quay counties
In Oldham County, the Blue Diamond fire burned about 750 acres Sunday afternoon and was 50% contained. FM 1061, which had been closed between US 385 and the Potter County line, reopened later in the day…