Authorities have reported that just as the crews were gaining control over several major wildfires that were ravaging California, two more blazes erupted and quickly spread overnight, creating further obstacles for the firefighters.
Firefighters are currently working to gain control of at least six massive wildland fires burning at both ends of the Golden State, marking an unusually early start to the state’s wildfire season, according to fire officials.
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According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), two fresh wildfires broke out in Northern California on Monday. One of them, named the Sites Fire, began around 2:30 p.m. PT in Colusa County, which is 60 miles north of Sacramento. Cal Fire reported that the fire spread rapidly to 10,000 acres by Tuesday morning, fueled by tall, dry vegetation and wind gusts of up to 20 mph. This led to multiple evacuations in the area.
Officials have stated that the Sites Fire remains uncontained, with a red flag warning indicating elevated fire risk having been issued in the area prior to the fire’s start.
According to Cal Fire’s Tuesday morning update on the Sites Fire, the ongoing hot and dry conditions are still proving to be a challenge for the firefighters’ efforts to suppress the fire.
Authorities were investigating the cause of the fire.
Cal Fire reported that the Aero Fire had started at around 3:30 p.m. PT in Calaveras County, situated in the Sierra foothills about 40 miles east of Stockton. As of Tuesday morning, the fire had spread overnight to cover an area of 5,249 acres, putting almost 3,700 structures at risk. The blaze has already destroyed at least three structures, while one other has been damaged. The fire is currently 20% contained, according to officials.
Residents living in the fire zone have been issued evacuation orders by the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. To assist those affected, a shelter has been opened at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds Livestock Evacuation Center in Angels Camp for people and their livestock. Another shelter has also been made available at a veterans hall in Valley Springs, as per officials.
According to a statement released by Cal Fire on Tuesday, the firefighters received a slight relief in the form of reduced winds and increased relative humidity overnight. This helped the crews in constructing the fireline. The Aero Fire continues to burn in an area that has not witnessed a major fire outbreak since 2003. The fire is currently affecting the grass and oak woodlands in the region.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Cal Fire reported that the Point Fire in Sonoma County, near the Wine Country towns of Healdsburg and Geyserville, started on Sunday afternoon and has burned over 1,200 acres. While firefighters were gaining control of the fire, the Sites and Aero fires were ignited. As of Tuesday morning, the Point Fire was 40% contained.
According to Cal Fire, the blaze known as the Point Fire resulted in the destruction of two structures and inflicted injuries on one firefighter while trying to extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Cal Fire reported that the Junes Fire in Butte County, which began on Saturday, has burned 1,056 acres and destroyed one structure. As of Tuesday, the fire was 95% contained.
Firefighters in the Los Angeles area of Southern California have reported making significant headway in fighting two significant blazes.
On Saturday afternoon, the Post Fire, which is the largest fire in Southern California, broke out near Gorman in the Tejon Pass region, approximately 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The fire has already scorched over 15,600 acres of land, resulting in the evacuation of 1,200 campers at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area and the closure of Lake Pyramid. Cal Fire provided this information.
Cal Fire reported on Tuesday morning that the Post Fire was 24% contained. However, gusty winds of up to 55 mph on the ridge tops were hindering the firefighters’ efforts to increase containment.
According to a statement from Cal Fire, the ongoing fire is proving to be a tough challenge due to the prevailing fire weather conditions. The fire poses a risk to crucial structures such as power lines, dams, and oil pipelines. To contain the spread and increase containment, fire crews are busy at work building and reinforcing fire lines around the perimeter. Additionally, aviation assets are being utilized to slow down the fire and extinguish hot spots.
On Saturday evening, the Hesperia Fire broke out in San Bernardino County, prompting an evacuation warning for nearby residents. However, firefighters have made significant progress in containing the fire, which burned 1,078 acres, and it is now 72% contained as of Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire reported that firefighters are currently working to contain 11 additional smaller wildfires across the state, with each having burned less than 1,000 acres.
