Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in 60 Texas counties due to a series of devastating wildfires.

The largest of these, the Smokehouse Creek Fire, has consumed an estimated 500,000 acres and remains 0% contained, even extending into Oklahoma.

The Pantex Nuclear Weapons Plant was temporarily shut down as a precaution due to the proximity of the Windy Deuce fire.

Although cooler temperatures and weaker winds could help, the wildfires are largely uncontrolled with federal agencies like FEMA and the U.S. Forest Service providing support.

President Joe Biden is being kept informed about the ongoing crisis as the fires continue to impact communities, destroying approximately 40 homes near Canadian, Texas.

The exact cause of the fires is unclear, but they have been exacerbated by strong winds, dry conditions, and higher temperatures, with concerns that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such events.

There is an immediate concern for air quality and visibility, and despite the possibility of rain, the region faces a high risk of continued severe fire conditions.