[source – wevv.com]
Raging Wildfires in California Explodes in Size, Creating Its Own Weather
Raging wildfires in California and Nevada have forced the evacuation of thousands of homes as the region braces for a heatwave that forecasters warn could set record temperatures over the next few days. Currently, 14 active wildfires are burning across California, with the Line Fire in San Bernardino County being particularly devastating. This wildfire has grown rapidly in size, consuming more than 17,459 acres as of Sunday, and has shown extreme intensity, even creating its own weather patterns.
The Line Fire, which started at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains on Thursday, quadrupled in size by Saturday morning. The fire’s erratic behavior, driven by thunderstorm winds and critically dry vegetation, has made it difficult for more than 600 firefighters battling the blaze. Cal Raging wildfires has reported that the fire remains 0% contained, and three people have sustained injuries, though their conditions are not yet known.
Smoke continues to present a significant hazard for both residents and firefighters, leading the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue a smoke advisory. Residents in the affected areas, including Rancho Cucamonga, have been urged to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities. Adding to the danger, thunderstorms are expected in the coming days, with the possibility of causing new fire ignitions.
A flash flood warning was issued for Riverside and San Bernardino counties, where heavy localized rainfall from the storms threatens landslides, particularly in areas scarred by previous wildfires. Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour were recorded by Doppler radar, intensifying concerns about further damage.
Thousands Evacuated as Fires Spread Across Mountain Communities
As the Line raging wildfires spread, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has issued mandatory evacuation orders for around 4,800 homes in the mountain communities of Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake. Other towns, including Highland, Forest Falls, and Mountain Home Village, have also been evacuated. The fire is now threatening over 35,000 structures, including homes and commercial buildings.
Firefighters, despite the unpredictable nature of the fire, have managed to protect several homes. “Even with the unpredictability of this fire, firefighters have been successful so far, and we plan to keep it that way,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua in an interview with CNN. However, all areas of the blaze remain a concern for crews, as they continue to monitor the flames from all sides.
Meanwhile, other wildfires are raging across the state. The Bridge Fire, located in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles, has grown to 200 acres, prompting the closure of several roads. In Clearlake, about 100 miles west of Sacramento, the Boyles Fire has displaced 4,000 residents as it burns through 76 acres and multiple structures.
Emergency Declarations and Power Outages Add to Region’s Woes
Both California and Nevada have declared states of emergency. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the emergency in San Bernardino County, securing a grant from FEMA to support firefighting efforts. In Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency due to the Davis Fire, which has scorched 6,500 acres south of Reno, destroyed 14 structures, and prompted the evacuation of 14,000 people. Thousands of residents in Washoe County are without power, with utility company NV Energy preemptively cutting power to prevent further fire ignitions.
Adding to the region’s difficulties, a heatwave has settled over the area. Temperatures in Southern California are expected to soar between 95 and 105 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees above average. The extreme heat, coupled with poor air quality due to the wildfire smoke, has created dangerous conditions for those remaining in affected areas. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings, urging residents to stay safe and limit exposure to the sweltering conditions.’
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