Video Shows Horses Running Alongside Cars to Escape Fire

Horses were filmed running alongside cars to escape out-of-control wildfires in Texas.

The horses can be seen galloping alongside a vehicle in Wheeler, Texas, on February 27, as wildfires raged on in the area. The fires, which continue to burn through the Texas Panhandle, have caused several evacuation notices.

Chad Casey, who took the footage, said online that everything was “just trying to escape the fires.”

The landscape in the footage appears hazy with smoke. The horses look unbothered by vehicles driving on the road as they attempt to flee the flames.

The wildfires broke out on Monday this week and have continued to spread. The largest of the fires is raging in Smokehouse Creek in Hutchinson County, and has since burned across an estimated 500,000 acres acres as of Wednesday morning, according to Texas A&M Forest Service. Currently, it is uncontained, though fire services are working to tackle the flames.

Wildfires do not just pose a threat to humans and infrastructure, but impact native wildlife and can be a danger to livestock.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in the region for 60 counties.

“Hot and dry conditions caused by high temperatures and windy conditions are expected to continue in the region in the coming days,” a statement from Abbott read.

“These conditions could increase the potential for these wildfires to grow larger and more dangerous. Texans are urged to limit activities that could create sparks and take precautions to keep their loved ones safe. I also want to thank the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect their fellow Texans.”

This area of Texas is facing warmer-than-usual winter temperatures and dry conditions, raising the risk of wildfires. The Smokehouse fire also ignited during strong winds.

Some areas of Texas Panhandle saw winds that reached between 40 to 60 mph, which would have allowed the flames to catch rapidly. There is the potential for fires to grow larger in coming days as these conditions continue.

Climate change has caused an increase in wildfires across the globe. This is because a warming climate is exacerbating long, dry periods, which make perfect conditions for fires to thrive and spread.

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