A wildfire in a wildlife refuge burned as many as 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of land in the U.S. state of Texas and created a smoky haze over the area on Friday, local media reported.

The fire went out of control on the McFaddin Wildlife Refuge near High Island in southeast Texas late Friday, local media KHOU reported.

The refuge, home to a good number of birds and other wildlife, lies 140 km east of Houston, Texas' largest city, and spreads over 5000 acres.

At one point, the columns of smoke were so thick that they formed a dome over the community of High Island and that drivers couldn't see roads, according to the report. People who live in the area said they were having problems breathing.

It's not immediately known how the fire started. Crews are using three engines and a helicopter to stop the blaze from spreading.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hoping to get the fire under control by Saturday. Endi

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