The flames rose higher and higher, fuelled by the dry ground and violent winds. Car tires melted. Those inside yanked at their doors, only to find them suddenly locked, and the flames grew higher still, the figure in the centre cackling.

"Do you have to do that?" shouted one of those with them.

A burst of flames rushed towards them and was blasted back by a gust of wind.

"Never mind."

By the morning there would be very little left.