Texas battles largest fire in history

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In Texas, a giant fire nicknamed “Smokehouse Creek Fire” extends over more than 430,000 hectares.

Agence France-Presse

The Texas authorities fear a worrying progression during the weekend of the largest fire in the history of the state, which has already killed two people and ravaged hundreds of thousands of hectares.

Some 500 homes and various buildings have disappeared in the flames, Governor Greg Abbott said on Friday, warning that this toll would probably increase.

In a country accustomed to contrasts made worse by climate change, California was hit that same day by a severe snowstorm accompanied by violent gusts exceeding 160 km/h on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Snowfall could reach 2 to 3.5 meters in height in the coming days at higher altitudes, according to weather services in this State, the most populous in the country.

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Certain areas of California could receive up to 'three meters of snow in the coming days.

In Texas, the giant fire called the Smokehouse Creek Fire is now only contained ;#x27;at 15%, although it temporarily stopped spreading on Friday thanks to precipitation the day before, according to local authorities.

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Fire still spreads over 430,000 hectares, but most of it received precipitation yesterday and there was no progress of the fire, the Texas Forestry Service wrote Friday on X.

The teams will focus on the northern limit of fire and areas around built-up areas.

A quote from the Texas Forestry Bureau, on hnvfyV”>The respite could, however, only be short-lived.

Conditions favoring a critical fire situation are expected to return midday Saturday and Sunday, local weather services in the city of Amarillo said, notably due to very dry vegetation and winds.

Three other, smaller fires are also active in this region of North Texas, located near the city of Amarillo. The largest of these other three fires, the Windy Deuce Fire, is approximately 57,000 hectares and 55% contained.

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Some 500 houses and various buildings were swept away by the “Smokehouse Creek Fire”.

Local media reported two deaths: an 83-year-old grandmother who died in a house fire in the small town of Stinnett, and a 44-year-old woman who died after being seriously injured when the truck she was driving overturned. #x27;is found surrounded by flames.

No evacuations were underway Thursday in Hutchinson County, where the town of Stinnett is located, according to local authorities.

Texas continues to strengthen its resources in men and equipment to fight this very dangerous fire, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Thursday, thanking firefighters who work around the clock to protect Texans.

The Smokehouse Creek Fire is now also spreading into the neighboring state of Oklahoma.

President Joe Biden, on a campaign visit to Texas on Thursday, told reporters that about 500 federal officials were working to fight the fires, in addition to local firefighters.

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The firefighters “are working around the clock to protect Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott.

Given the drought, Texas A&M University Forestry Division Chief Wes Moorehead urged residents to be extra careful this Saturday, March 2, the day Texans celebrate ;anniversary of the proclamation of their independence from Mexico in 1836. This independence lasted until the annexation of the territory by the United States in 1845.

Tradition is to mark this holiday with bonfires and barbecues. Be careful with any activity that could cause a spark, he urged.