Watch CBS News

2nd person dies as wildfires sweep across Texas Panhandle

Smokehouse Creek wildfire becomes largest in Texas history
Smokehouse Creek wildfire becomes largest in Texas history 01:39

A second person has died in the wildfires that are burning in the Texas Panhandle.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire that broke out on Monday has since extended to 1.1 million acres, making it the largest in Texas history.

According to KFDA-TV, Cindy Owen was in Pampa for work when she got stuck on the road, surrounded by fire. 

She left her vehicle and was burned, KFDA says. Owen was taken to a burn center in Oklahoma City where she died.

The first death related to the wildfires happened in Hutchinson County. The victim's grandson, Nathan Blankenship told CBS News Texas it was his 83-year-old grandmother, Joyce Blankenship.

Joyce Blankenship died when the Smokehouse Creek fire enveloped her neighborhood in the town of Stinnett, northeast of Amarillo.

MORE:

Ranches, cattle in Texas Panhandle suffering as wildfires rage

83-year-old grandmother dies in Smokehouse Creek fire

Smokehouse Creek Fire in Texas explodes to become second-largest wildfire in U.S. history after burning 1.1 million acres

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.