Amarillo TX Local News - February 6, 2026

Amarillo TX Local NewsBreaking newsCity of Amarillo officials continue investigating a significant avian flu outbreak after collecting more than 300 dead birds across the area in recent days. As of Feb. 3, no cases of the virus have been reported in humans or other animals within the city, though testing is ongoing. Health officials are urging residents to avoid sick or dead birds as a precaution [1][2][6].Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire at a quad-plex apartment located at 1309 Evergreen Street on Jan. 31. Firefighters encountered heavy fire that had spread to multiple corners of the building and was venting through the roof. No civilian injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross has been contacted to assist displaced residents [10].The Amarillo Fire Department, City of Amarillo, and Safe Haven Baby Box dedicated the city's first Safe Haven Baby Box at Firehouse No. 9 on Paramount Boulevard on Feb. 4, providing an anonymous infant surrender option for the community [3][12].The Amarillo City Council confirmed Thomas Hover as the new Amarillo Police Chief. Hover will be honored at a welcoming ceremony on Friday [9].A Potter County grand jury indicted a man accused of killing his neighbor's dog and shooting at an Amarillo police officer with a pellet gun [5][6].The Amarillo Children's Home received a $40,000 grant from Parkhill to purchase a new 12-passenger van [3].Potter County grand jurors declined to prosecute an Amarillo man in the murder of his roommate in a fatal October trailer fire, finding insufficient evidence to continue the case [2].Amarillo police are continuing their investigation into the 2008 murder of 21-year-old Crystal Booker, who was found dead in a vacant field off Interstate 40. Eighteen years later, investigators say they haven't given up on finding her killer [2].A Potter County man has been arrested on decades-old child sexual assault charges [2].WeatherThe Amarillo area can expect sunny conditions with temperatures climbing into the 70s over the next several days. Forecast shows mostly sunny skies Friday with a high around 70°, Saturday reaching 74°, and Sunday at 68° [10].While no severe storms are currently in the forecast, fire crews recently conducted a prescribed burn to create defensible space in Borger as part of wildfire prevention efforts. The National Weather Service in Amarillo met with Panhandle leaders in Borger to review wildfire watches and warnings, enhancing coordination for potential wildfire events in the region [9][12].Events