STINNETT, Texas — As firefighters continue to battle the largest wildfire in Texas history, California Gov. Gavin Newson announced Monday he is sending California National Guard troops and a fire-fighting aircraft to help put out the blazes.

What You Need To Know

  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom is sending National Guard troops and a military aircraft to Texas to help battle the largest wildfire in state history

  • The aircraft is equipped with a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) that will help spray fire retardant on the blazes
  • The cluster of fires has been burning through the Panhandle for over two weeks. The Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest blaze, is 37% contained as of Tuesday and currently spans 1,700 square miles, spilling into neighboring Oklahoma

  • Officials have not released a cause of the Smokehouse Creek fire, which has destroyed dozens of homes near Stinnett and Canadian. But a lawsuit filed Friday against Xcel Energy Services Inc. and two other utility companies alleges that a downed power line started the blaze. Investigations into the cause are ongoing

The cluster of fires has been burning through the Panhandle for over two weeks, accounting for 1,900 square miles in rural areas surrounding Amarillo. The Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest blaze, is 37% contained as of Tuesday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The fire currently spans 1,700 square miles, spilling into neighboring Oklahoma.

“In times of crisis, Americans stand together. California has built a nation-leading firefighting fleet and we’re proud to lend a helping hand to Texas as the Lone Star State battles the largest wildfire in its history,” Newsom said.

Along with a crew, Newsom is sending the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to the Abilene area to help fight the historic fires. The aircraft will be deployed through March 18 and is equipped with a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS). The system will help spray fire retardant from the air to put out the fires, which were exacerbated by strong winds.

“The California National Guard always stands ready for disaster, and we are proud to lend support for this mission,” said Major General Matthew P. Beevers, Adjutant General of the California National Guard. “The 146th Airlift Wing is home to some of the best airmen in the country and are prepared to support state and federal efforts to respond to this natural disaster.”

Officials have not released a cause of the Smokehouse Creek fire, which has destroyed dozens of homes near Stinnett and Canadian. But a lawsuit filed Friday against Xcel Energy Services Inc. and two other utility companies alleges that a downed power line started the blaze. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.