The US is in the midst of one of its most active fire seasons ever, with more than 25,000 firefighters battling 104 wildfires across the country.
The wildfires are currently being battled by 25,000 firefighters across the United States. These fires have already claimed 104 lives and have destroyed over 2,000 homes so far this year.
The United States is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record (AFP/Getty Images). )
In California, more than 16,000 people have been evacuated as yet another catastrophic wildfire rages across the state, threatening to burn down whole communities.
In only two days, the Caldor Fire in El Dorado County has expanded by 24 times its original size and has burnt over 62,500 acres of forest with little opposition.
Cal Fire has failed to even partly control the fire, which was started on Saturday with no known reason and is being fueled by wind and dry weather.
As a consequence of the fire’s fast growth, El Dorado County residents have been forced to leave their homes and seek safer refuge away from the danger zone.
Cal Fire personnel battle the Dixie Fire in Milford, California, on August 17, 2021. (Photo courtesy of AFP via Getty Images) )
On August 18, 2021, inmate firefighters from the Antelope Conservation Camp wait for their next assignment while battling the Dixie Fire amid burning trees (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
The raging inferno is one of 104 major wildfires raging throughout the United States. In the midst of one of the worst fire seasons on record in the United States, more than 25,000 firemen have been sent to battle the blazes.
According to Cal Fire, the Dixie Fire, which is California’s second-largest in history, had burnt approximately 662,647 acres of land as of Wednesday. The fire has been burning for more than a month and is still just 35% contained.
The Dixie Fire, which swept across northern California earlier this month, totally destroyed the hamlet of Greenville.
Cal Fire Director Thom Porter stated the Caldor Fire has expanded a large distance, uncontrolled, in a short period of time, during a press conference on Wednesday.
‘The sad part is that these flames are growing in size,’ he added.
‘However, we are pouring resources into communities to prevent and mitigate the effects.’
Porter went on to say that the Caldor Fire had burnt over “many steep drainages with the assistance of huge quantities of dry vegetation,” resulting in even additional evacuations.
The recent hot, dry weather in California has helped the fast spread of the numerous fires raging throughout the state.
Early in the morning of August 17, 2021 in Janesville, California, firefighters pour water on trees burning along Highway 395 during the Dixie Fire. (AFP photo via Getty Images)
During the Dixie Flames, a fireman rushes to their vehicle as the fire moves closer to a house and Highway 395. (AFP/Getty Images)
During the Dixie Fire in the early hours of August 17, 2021 in Janesville, California, firefighters utilize a hose line to kill hot spots around a structure. (AFP/Getty Images)
Although the weather will stay chilly, the region will be very dry as the state continues to suffer from drought.
‘Getting people out of the path of these flames is the greatest way for us to safeguard your towns,’ Porter said.
‘We need you to get out of here.’ Please pay attention to the cautions.’
Darby Flynn, a local resident, was one of hundreds urged to escape the fires, according to KCRA.
She expressed her gratitude to the news organization for allowing her to escape and avoid being trapped in the fire.
‘I just sort of grabbed some items and some significant artwork that my mum did for me and something my aunt created for me,’ Flynn said.
‘Aside from that, I simply try to remember that things are only things, and the most of them can be replaced.’
While the Caldor Fire has fortunately not claimed any lives, two individuals have been flown to hospitals after being severely wounded in the region this week.
As the Dixie Fire rages through Greenville, California, firefighters and medical workers push Don Crail, 72, into an ambulance (AFP/Getty).
On August 6, 2021, evacuated Chester homeowner Regina Rutledge sighs while staying in her car at a Dixie fire evacuation center in Susanville, California (AFP/Getty).
Because the fire is still unpredictable, damage assessment has yet to begin. What is known is that the fire has destroyed numerous buildings and is threatening 6,000 more, according to Cal Fire authorities.
At least one Pioneer Union School District primary school, one community church, and one post office have been destroyed by the fire.
A new wildfire has burned a number of houses in Lake County, California, approximately 100 miles northwest of Sacramento, authorities said. The Cache Fire has burnt about 80 acres and is 20% controlled.
‘Looks like we have many dozen houses that have been lost here, one civilian injury recorded so far,’ Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said on Facebook.
Residents in the county have been ordered to evacuate.
Port, speaking on the massive Dixie Fire, said it is proving to be “exceedingly” tough to put out.
‘The Dixie Fire is the first fire we know of that has burnt from the west side of the mountain range all the way to the valley bottom on the east side of the mountain range,’ he added. That has never happened before, according to our records.
‘It is very difficult to control. While we’ve had some progress, when the winds blow, we’re finding that flames are spotting kilometers away in some instances.’
During the Dixie Fire on August 17, 2021, the remnants of burnt out vehicles and a damaged house can be seen on Hicks Road off Highway 395 (Photo: AFP/Getty).
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The Dixie Fire has burned over 1,200 buildings, including 645 single-family homes, and the flames are currently threatening at least 16,085 more.
According to authorities, three firefighters were wounded while battling the blaze.
Meanwhile, in Lake County, California, the Cache Fire has burned 80 acres and destroyed numerous houses in its path.
As of Wednesday, the Ford Corkscrew Fire, which is blazing northwest of Spokane, Washington, had burned 14,000 acres and was just 14 percent contained.
The Parleys Canyon Fire in Utah was 80 percent contained on Wednesday, up from 40 percent the day before. The wildfire forced the evacuation of nearly 6,000 houses in the towns of Summit Park, Pine Brook, Lambs Canyon, and Mill Creek over the weekend, but the orders have now been removed.
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