The explosive growth of the second-largest wildfire in Texas history slowed as winds and temperatures dipped but the massive blaze was still untamed and threatening more death and destruction. The Smokehouse Fire is the largest of several major fires burning in the rural Panhandle section of the state. It has charred 1,300 square miles and crossed into Oklahoma. Containment was at just 3% late Wednesday. Authorities have not said what ignited the fires, but strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm temperatures fed the blazes. An 83-year-old grandmother is the only confirmed death but authorities have yet to conduct a thorough search for victims.
