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

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 houses and various buildings have disappeared in the flames, Governor Greg Abbott said on Friday, warning that this toll would probably increase. weigh down.

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.

Snow precipitation could reach 2 to 3.5 meters in height in the coming days at altitude, according to the weather services of this state, the most populous in the country.

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Some 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 15% contained, even though it temporarily stopped spreading on Friday thanks to precipitation the day before , according to local authorities.

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The fire still extends over more than 430,000 hectares, but it received most of the precipitation yesterday and there was no progression of the fire, the Texas Forestry Service wrote Friday on X.

Crews will focus on the northern edge of the fire and areas around built-up areas.< /p>A quote from the Texas Forestry Service, on >

Conditions favoring a critical fire situation are expected to return midday Saturday and Sunday, local weather services in the city of Amarillo said, particularly 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 died after being seriously injured when the truck she was driving was surrounded by flames.

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

Texas continues to increase its resources in men and equipment to fight this very dangerous fire, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Thursday, thanking the firefighters who are working 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 the press that around 500 federal officials were working to fight the fires, in addition to local firefighters.

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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 do more to protect themselves. Pay attention this Saturday, March 2, the day Texans celebrate the 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 has it that this holiday is marked with bonfires and barbecues. Be careful with any activity that could cause a spark, he urged.