'Cadillac Fire' in Amarillo destroys 4 homes, 11 outbuildings, threatens nearly 250 others
The “Cadillac Fire” in northwest Amarillo near Cadillac Ranch claimed several homes and structures as it spread into a residential area late Monday afternoon.
In a post on the Potter County Fire Rescue Facebook page, the department stated that they did lose four homes and 11 outbuildings to the fire, with no casualties or injuries reported.
It is estimated that the fire burned 143 acres before it was brought under control.
Overall, a total of 96 homes, 18 commercial buildings, 98 outbuildings and 37 other camper vehicles were protected from the fire by several organizations, including Texas A&M Forest Service, Randall County Fire Department, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, Potter County Sheriff's Office, Amarillo Fire Department, Amarillo Medical Services, Atmos Energy, American Red Cross, Amarillo Police Department, Amarillo Emergency Service (AES), Texas Department of Transportation and Xcel Energy.
According to the Amarillo Fire Department, crews were dispatched to assist with the fire and evacuation around 3 p.m. Monday, and they continued to help battle the flames until around 7 p.m. that evening.
Xcel Energy emergency crews cut power to the affected area of the fire right off of Interstate 40 near Indian Hills Road Monday evening affecting over 300 homes, and it has since been restored.
“Folks, we are not done. Until we get a significant amount of moisture, we are and will be in danger of this happening again. Please pray for rain. The fire started in the median of I-40 and spread from there. (It is) unknown what started it — dragging chain on a trailer, or cigarette throw out the window, who knows. All I ask is to be extremely careful in all you do so we don't have another incident like this,” said the Potter County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post.
The city of Amarillo tweeted Tuesday that a Cadillac Fire shelter location was established for dispersed families at The Church at Bushland, with the assistance of the Red Cross, but it has since been closed. Individuals and families seeking assistance are asked to contact the Red Cross at 1-800 733 2768.
According to Potter County Fire Rescue, food and water was supplied to families displaced, thanks to organizations including the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, Dyers BBQ, Pizza Hut and Toot'n Totum.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: 'Cadillac Fire' in Amarillo destroys 4 homes, 11 outbuildings
