CNN
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The largest wildfire in Texas history continues its deadly march across the state's panhandle, with 500 buildings already destroyed. And the devastation is far from over, with the inferno expected to spread even more quickly this weekend as fierce winds and dry air fuel the flames.
The Smokehouse Creek Fire has already killed two people, destroyed thousands of cattle, and engulfed more than 1 million acres, making it the largest Texas wildfire in history. In Oklahoma, 31,500 acres were set on fire. As of Friday afternoon, the giant inferno was only 15% contained.
It's one of four wildfires burning in the Texas Panhandle this week, destroying families' homes and disrupting businesses. Combined, these fires burned approximately the same square mile as the entire state of Delaware.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at least 400 to 500 structures were lost, but “we can't say for sure that that will be the final number because we're still going through the evaluation process.” he said Friday afternoon.
“When you look at the aftermath of that damage, there are often things like structures that are still there,” Abbott said. “If you look at the damage here, it's just gone. It's completely gone. There's nothing but ash on the ground, and the people who went through this experienced complete devastation.”
Nick Oxford/Reuters
The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Canadian, Texas, burns wood in a warehouse.
• The Windy Deuce Fire, Texas' second largest fire, has burned 142,000 acres and is 60% contained as of Friday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
• The Grapevine Creek Fire has burned 30,000 acres and is 60% contained.
• The Magenta Fire has burned 3,300 acres and is 85% contained.
• GoFundMe announces verified fundraising hub to benefit Texas wildfire victims.
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• Light winds and precipitation temporarily slowed Thursday, but dry air and strong winds this weekend could cause the Smokehouse Creek Fire to spread faster.
• High temperatures in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles will reach 80 degrees Saturday and Sunday. Wind speeds could reach up to 40 mph by Sunday, the National Weather Service said. Amarillo, Texas.
• As Texans prepare to celebrate the state's Independence Day on Saturday, the danger of fires is increasing and authorities are issuing an emergency warning to use extreme caution when using fireworks.
Julio Cortez/Associated Press
Firefighters in Lubbock, Texas, helped extinguish smoldering debris from a home destroyed in the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Stinnett, Texas, on Thursday.
• A staggering 400,000 acres were burned in Hemphill County, numerous homes destroyed and thousands of cattle killed, said Andy Holloway, Hemphill County AgriLife Extension agent. A truck driver has died in the Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hemphill County, his family announced.
• Another woman died after her home was destroyed in Hutchinson County, her family said. Search and rescue teams have begun cleaning neighborhoods across the county, and officials encouraged anyone in the area with a missing loved one to call the wildfire tip line.
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• The city of Fritch, Texas, is under a boil water warning, but Hutchinson County officials acknowledged that “that would be difficult to do because many residents do not have electricity or gas.” Officials said water bottles were being distributed at several churches and other locations.
“She basically couldn't breathe, couldn't breathe.”
Truck driver Cindy Owen was caught up in the Smokehouse Creek Fire on Tuesday while on duty about 80 miles north of Pampa, Texas, her sister-in-law told CNN.
family photo
Truck driver Cindy Owen often stopped on cold days to give coats to people, her family said.
“She basically couldn't breathe and tried to evacuate the truck and run to safety, but she couldn't make it in time,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Owen's brother's wife. “There she was found with burns, about 90 percent of her body was burned.”
Mitchell said Owen was video chatting as the disaster unfolded and her family scrambled to find someone to help her.
But hell quickly overcame her. Owen died in a fire in Hemphill County, Texas. Chris Ray said.
Owen, 44, was devoted to his family and would “do anything for anyone,” including stopping his car on cold days to give people coats, his sister-in-law said.
“She was everyone's friend and everyone knew her,” Mitchell said. “I can't say anything bad about her. She was the best person ever.”
Provided by: Nathan Blakenship
Joyce Blakenship (right) and her grandson Nathan Blakenship.
In nearby Hutchinson County, 83-year-old Joyce Blankenship also died in the Smokehouse Creek Fire, her family said.
“The house is gone,” said grandson Nathan Blankenship. “There was no way for her to get out.”
Her beloved grandmother was well known in the small community of Stinnett, said her step-grandson Lee Quesada.
“She was a substitute teacher in the area before she became a housewife,” Quesada said. “She will be missed by everyone.”
Wildfires have killed thousands of cattle and destroyed critical equipment in the Texas Panhandle.
David Erickson/AP
Firefighters battle the Smokehouse Creek Fire in northern Canadian, Texas, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/David Erickson)
The 120-year-old Turkey Truck Ranch, nicknamed “Panhandle Prize,” is estimated to have burned 80 percent of its approximately 80,000 acres.
“The loss of livestock, crops, wildlife, and ranch fencing and other infrastructure on our property, as well as other ranches and housing throughout the region, is unprecedented in our history. We believe that,” said the Turkey Truck Ranch Family Group. said in a statement.
But the group also expressed optimism. “Nature will repair after a fire and all the natural grasses, vegetation and trees in our beloved ranch oasis will grow back.”
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Texas Department of Agriculture Secretary Sid Miller said the damage could be “catastrophic” for the region.
“These fires not only threaten lives and property, they will also have a significant impact on our nation's agriculture,” Miller said. “More than 85 percent of the state's cattle population is on ranches in the Panhandle. There are millions of cattle there, and some towns have more cattle than people.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture has established the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund to assist farmers and ranchers affected by the fires.
CNN's Mary Gilbert, Andy Rose, Eric Zerkel and Steve Almasy contributed to this report.
