As California grapples with an unusually early and intense wildfire season, firefighters are battling 6 major blazes that have rapidly spread, fueled by dry vegetation and fierce winds. The state’s fire crews face the daunting task of containing fires that have scorched tens of thousands of acres and forced numerous evacuations.
Among the newest and most aggressive fires is the Sites Fire in Northern California’s Colusa County. Igniting on Monday afternoon, it has rapidly expanded to 10,000 acres, triggering widespread evacuations. “Hot dry conditions continue to hamper suppression efforts,” Cal Fire reported. Despite a 15% containment, the fire remains a significant threat due to wind gusts and low humidity.
Meanwhile, the Aero Fire in Calaveras County, which started on the same day, has consumed over 5,000 acres, destroyed several structures, and threatens nearly 3,700 more. Cal Fire noted a slight improvement in conditions overnight, stating, “Firefighters had a small decrease in winds and an increase in relative humidity that assisted crews with construction of fireline.” However, the fire remains only 20% contained.
The Point Fire in Sonoma County, another significant blaze, has burned over 1,200 acres and injured one firefighter. “Crews are continuing to build and strengthen control lines, with favorable conditions aiding the efforts,” according to a Cal Fire incident report.
In Southern California, the largest active fire is the Post Fire near Gorman, which has scorched nearly 16,000 acres. Despite significant efforts, containment remains at 24% due to ridge-top winds gusting up to 55 mph. “Fire weather conditions are making it difficult to control the fire,” Cal Fire stated.
Jason Clay, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that more acreage has burned in Northern California in the past three days than in the previous three years combined. “This fire season is shaping up to be an active one,” Clay said. “It definitely already is.”
