The May 2026 Panhandle wildfires
Last checked September 26, 2026. Disaster declarations and designated areas change — always confirm current status with FEMA and with Matthew.
In mid-May 2026, wind-driven wildfires swept across parts of the Texas Panhandle. The Hunggate Fire (May 14–19) burned roughly 34,000 acres across Randall and Deaf Smith counties, prompted evacuations near Canyon, and destroyed homes. The Western Fire (May 15–16) burned south of Canyon at the same time. For families on the rural edges of Amarillo and Canyon, it was a frightening week — and for those who lost homes, the recovery is still underway.
Honest status: is 203(h) available in Randall County?
Monitoring As of September 26, 2026, no Presidential major disaster declaration with Individual Assistance for Randall County was found for the May wildfires. Texas did receive a separate major disaster declaration, DR-4935, on September 1, 2026, for summer severe storms and flooding (incident period July 12–August 4, 2026), but it is Public Assistance only and doesn't cover the May fires.
That means FHA 203(h) is not currently available for Randall County wildfire survivors. Earlier versions of this site were more optimistic; this page reflects the status as it actually stands. Matthew continues to monitor it.
Want a heads-up if Randall County's status changes? Send Matthew your address and he'll follow up — and talk through options available today.
Talk with MatthewWhat would need to happen
- A Presidential major disaster declaration (a "DR" number on FEMA's site) covering the May 2026 fires.
- Randall County designated in that declaration — ideally for Individual Assistance, which is what many lenders and FHA disaster policies look for.
- The one-year clock would then generally run from that declaration's date.
Declarations for events months in the past are uncommon, but amendments and late decisions do happen. You can check anytime in FEMA's disaster declarations database — the steps are on current disaster areas.
Options for Randall County homeowners now
Standard FHA purchase
If you're ready to buy a replacement home in Amarillo, Canyon, or elsewhere, a standard FHA loan may work. FHA's minimum down payment applies, and insurance proceeds may help cover it.
FHA 203(k) to repair or rebuild
If your home is repairable, or you own the land and want to rebuild, a 203(k) can finance the work in one loan. See FHA203kInfo.com and rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k).
Conventional, VA, or USDA
Conventional loans may fit borrowers with stronger credit. Veterans may use VA benefits. Some rural parts of Randall County may be in USDA-eligible areas. Matthew will compare them side by side.
Insurance proceeds planning
Know your dwelling, contents, other-structures, and additional living expense coverage. If you have a mortgage, the dwelling check may be payable to you and your servicer jointly — ask how funds are released.
If you have a mortgage on the damaged home, call your servicer right away and read disaster mortgage relief options. A HUD-approved housing counselor can also help, free of charge.
Texas homestead considerations
Texas homestead rules add a few wrinkles worth knowing about:
- Homestead exemption. Your homestead property-tax exemption may be affected if you move or if the home is destroyed. Texas law has provisions for temporary absence and for homes damaged in disasters — contact the Randall County Appraisal District about your situation.
- Buying a new homestead. If you buy a replacement home, you'll generally need to apply for the exemption on the new property.
- Home equity rules. Texas has distinctive rules for borrowing against a homestead. If you're considering cash-out or equity-based options on a partially damaged home, ask Matthew how Texas rules apply.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice — check with the appraisal district or a Texas attorney for your specific facts.
For Realtors in Amarillo and Canyon
Local agents are often the first people displaced families call. Matthew offers the complimentary FHA Disaster Recovery Workshop™ for Panhandle brokerages and teams, covering how 203(h) works, why it isn't open here right now, and which alternatives fit fire-affected buyers and sellers. When a buyer is purchasing near the burn areas, lenders may require a post-fire property inspection or appraisal update before closing — build that into contract timelines. More on the Realtor resources page.
Insurance agents, public adjusters, restoration contractors, and community organizations are welcome to share this page. Nothing of value is exchanged for referrals.
Get notified if the status changes
Use the form below to ask Matthew to let you know if Randall County's declaration status changes. Include your address or general area and what happened to your home. He'll reach out if anything changes, and he's glad to talk through today's options in the meantime.
Prefer to talk now? Call (512) 952-1125 or schedule a call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 203(h) for the Hunggate or Western fires?
Not as of September 26, 2026. No major disaster declaration with Individual Assistance for Randall County was found. Matthew is monitoring it.
Does the September 1, 2026 Texas declaration help?
DR-4935 covers summer storms and flooding, not the May wildfires, and is Public Assistance only — so it doesn't open 203(h) for fire survivors.
Can I rebuild on my land with an FHA loan?
Possibly, with an FHA 203(k) or construction-related financing. Matthew will review your lot, insurance, and plans.
Is Matthew local?
Randall County is Matthew's featured local focus on this site. He works with Texas borrowers by phone, email, and video — tell Matthew where the property is and he'll confirm he can help there.
Ask Matthew to let you know if the status changes
Tell Matthew a little about the property and your plans. He'll follow up by phone or email — no obligation.
Prefer to start now? Start your pre-approval · Schedule a call · (512) 952-1125
Please don't include Social Security or account numbers.