Thousands of homes were threatened on Sunday as the largest single wildfire in California’s history ran through the dry forests and brushes of hundreds of miles of craters.
Dixie Fire was contained in less than a quarter after burning more than 700 square miles in the Butte, Pulmouth, Tehama, and Lassen counties of Northern California.At least 400 homes and other structures Already destroyed, CalFire said in an early update on Sunday.
The fire was the largest of the more than 100 major wildfires currently occurring in 15 states. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, these fires burned more than 3,500 square miles.
“The fire outlook continues to reflect warmer and drier conditions that lead to more likely serious wildfire activity throughout the (western) region from the rest of the summer to the fall,” the fire center said on Sunday. I was warned by the update of. “Wide range of high temperatures … periods of lightning activity continue to exacerbate wildfire conditions.”
Dixie Fire was supported by dry vegetation and was fueled by strong winds. Almost the entire town of Greenville in Plumas County, with a population of about 1,000, was destroyed after 370 houses and structures were burned down late last week.
“I knew there wasn’t enough rainfall and a fire could break out, but I didn’t expect such a monster,” said Kesia Studebaker, who lives and works in the town. Said.
Red sky and burning road: Dixie’s fire that this man “barely survived”
Four firefighters were taken to the hospital on Friday after being attacked by a fallen branch. More than 20 people were first reported missingHowever, by Saturday afternoon authorities had contacted all but four.
Pacific Gas and Electric’s power company says it could have sparked when a tree fell on one of its power lines. A federal judge ordered PG & E on Friday to provide details about the equipment and vegetation that broke out by August 16.
Dixie Fire in California Burned 700 Square Miles, Bigger than New York City
The fire threatens 14,000 buildings in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Governor Gavin Newsom visited the area on Saturday to thank 8,500 firefighters for “your heroic and extraordinary work.” He said the state had to do more to manage its forests and pre-place firefighting equipment to save lives and communities.
“At the end of the day, we have to admit this. The dry matter is pretty dry, and the heat and heat are hotter than ever,” Newsom said. “We need to admit that these are climate-induced wildfires.”
Contribution: Associated Press
This article was originally published in USA TODAY: Dixie Wildfire is the largest single wildfire in California history