Two dead and more than 500,000 hectares ravaged in Texas

In Texas, two people have died in the flames that have already ravaged more than 500,000 hectares of this southern state. This is the biggest fire in the state's history, and the situation could worsen in the coming hours.

 

The images of the fire are impressive. We see a fire truck heading towards Smokehouse Creek, where the largest fire is located, surrounded by flames and smoke.

 

In this region alone, more than 435,000 hectares have been ravaged. The fire is only 5% under control. Elsewhere, 11 fires have been contained and 12 are under control, but they have destroyed everything in their path.

 

Richard, a local resident, lost everything: "I called for help and the fire trucks arrived. But it started very quickly. The flames went everywhere. When we came back, there was nothing left". Roads were closed, thick smoke engulfed entire regions, the fire spread at breakneck speed, and residents left their homes in a hurry. 

 

This was the case for one resident, whose house the police came to knock on to evacuate: "I run to the door and it sounded like Armageddon, the end of the world, and he yells 'get out, get out, get out, get out'. If my niece hadn't thought she heard someone banging on the door, we wouldn't be here today. »

 

This is the largest wildfire in Texas history. More than 500,000 hectares have gone up in smoke so far. "You know, it's heartbreaking. This is our home. It's going to be devastating to our community for a short period of time, but we'll bounce back," says one local resident.

 

The weather is dry and unusually warm. Winds are expected this weekend. A weather forecast much feared by firefighters. The situation could get even worse.