Wildfires raging in California and Nevada have forced the mandatory evacuation of thousands of homes, as record-breaking heat is forecast for the western US. As of Sunday, there are 14 active wildfires in California, with one fire so severe that it has generated its own weather system.
Key Updates:
- Line Fire Explodes in Size: The Line Fire in California’s San Bernardino Mountains has burned through 17,237 acres since it began on Thursday. By Saturday morning, the fire had more than quadrupled in size. Authorities are urging residents in nearby areas to evacuate as the fire’s intense flames and thick smoke fill the sky. Over 500 firefighters are battling the blaze, which remains 0% contained, according to Cal Fire.
- Fire Creates Its Own Weather: The Line Fire is producing pyrocumulus clouds, a phenomenon in which the fire generates its own weather conditions. These clouds can lead to erratic winds that spread the fire more quickly, making it difficult for firefighters to control. In extreme cases, the clouds may also trigger lightning and rain, forming pyrocumulonimbus storms that can reach up to 50,000 feet and generate thunderstorms.
- Thousands Evacuated: Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for 4,800 homes in the Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake areas, with hundreds more residents evacuated from Highland. Cal Fire reports that 8,733 structures are threatened, including residential homes and commercial buildings.
- Emergency Declared: California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County and secured a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to support firefighting efforts.
- Nevada’s Davis Fire: The Davis Fire in Nevada has burned 1,500 acres, destroyed at least six structures, and remains 0% contained. The fire has prompted evacuation orders for 1,800 people, while NV Energy has cut power to 18,700 customers to prevent further ignitions.
- Record Heat and Poor Air Quality: As excessive heat warnings grip Southern California, temperatures are expected to reach between 95-105 degrees, well above average. An air quality alert has been issued due to both the heatwave and elevated levels of wildfire smoke.
Residents on Edge:
The Line Fire has expanded more than 14 times its size in just 30 hours. Residents like Brian Gano have tried to hold back flames using hoses, while others, like Diya Hirpara, are stocking up on supplies in preparation for possible evacuation.
A Season of Fire and Quakes:
California has already experienced 838,000 acres of burned land this year, compared to 255,144 acres at this time last year. Adding to the challenges, two earthquakes (magnitudes 3.5 and 3.9) shook the region on Saturday, further unsettling residents.