The largest fire in Texas history, called the “Smokehouse Creek Fire” and which has already killed two people, is now 15% contained on Friday, and temporarily stopped spreading thanks to precipitation the day before, according to local authorities.
The fire is still more than 430,000 hectares, but it largely “received precipitation yesterday and there was no progression of the fire”, wrote the Texas Forestry Service on Friday on X.
“Crews will focus on the northern edge of the fire and areas around built-up areas,” he added.
The respite, however, may only be short-lived.
“Conditions conducive to fires are expected to return midday Saturday” and Sunday, said local weather services (NWS Amarillo), 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.
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 crashed. was 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,” declared Thursday on X the governor of the state, Greg Abbott, thanking the firefighters who work “24 hours a day to protect the Texans.”
The “Smokehouse Creek Fire” is also now 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.
2024-03-02 01:38:31
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