At least 22 wildfires are destroying record acreage, with more than 60 awaiting evacuation by helicopter from Sierra national forest
4.23pm BST
The largest fire in the current rash in California is the Creek Fire, but it is one of many hundreds that have raged in the state just in the last couple of weeks.
Here’s some of USA Today’s more general report this morning:
Almost 1,000 fires have raged in the state since Aug. 15, many sparked by lightning strikes. California already has set a grim record with more than 2m acres burned this year – with several weeks remaining in the heart of fire season.
Hurricane-force winds and high temperatures energized wildfires across Oregon and Washington state as well. Almost 250,000 homes and businesses in the two states were without power, and the small town of Malden, in Washington’s Whitman County, was devastated by flames.
Fire officials haven’t even begun to assess the structures lost to the wildfire, but know it’s extensive.
“This fire has already hit us hard,” said Dean Gould, Sierra National Forest supervisor. “I know on the forest staff, personally, there’s been loss of homes.”
4.06pm BST
The Creek Fire near Fresno is 0% contained, as the saying goes – in other words it’s completely out of control. This fast-moving blaze has already destroyed more than 135,000 acres.
Crazy shot @ the #CreekFire yesterday with @CAL_FIRE (our heroes) @KimberlyFOX26 #CaliforniaWildfires #CaliforniaFires https://t.co/LridHY7YwD
7:20AM UPDATE: 17 more people have been rescued including a dog bringing the total to 52. There have been 4 total trips by the @CalGuard
. #CreekFire
THIS is why you leave early. If you are anywhere close to “voluntary” evacuations, just #Go! Thank you @CalGuard! https://t.co/S0Fd0X3rlY
Continue reading…At least 22 wildfires are destroying record acreage, with more than 60 awaiting evacuation by helicopter from Sierra national forest 4.23pm BSTThe largest fire in the current rash in California is the Creek Fire, but it is one of many hundreds that have raged in the state just in the last couple of weeks.Here’s some of USA Today’s more general report this morning: Almost 1,000 fires have raged in the state since Aug. 15, many sparked by lightning strikes. California already has set a grim record with more than 2m acres burned this year – with several weeks remaining in the heart of fire season.Hurricane-force winds and high temperatures energized wildfires across Oregon and Washington state as well. Almost 250,000 homes and businesses in the two states were without power, and the small town of Malden, in Washington’s Whitman County, was devastated by flames. Fire officials haven’t even begun to assess the structures lost to the wildfire, but know it’s extensive. “This fire has already hit us hard,” said Dean Gould, Sierra National Forest supervisor. “I know on the forest staff, personally, there’s been loss of homes.” 4.06pm BSTThe Creek Fire near Fresno is 0% contained, as the saying goes – in other words it’s completely out of control. This fast-moving blaze has already destroyed more than 135,000 acres.Crazy shot @ the #CreekFire yesterday with @CAL_FIRE (our heroes) @KimberlyFOX26 #CaliforniaWildfires #CaliforniaFires https://t.co/LridHY7YwD7:20AM UPDATE: 17 more people have been rescued including a dog bringing the total to 52. There have been 4 total trips by the @CalGuard. #CreekFire THIS is why you leave early. If you are anywhere close to “voluntary” evacuations, just #Go! Thank you @CalGuard! https://t.co/S0Fd0X3rlY Continue reading…