Evacuation orders have been issued due to a wildfire in central California, the latest among more than a dozen blazes burning in the state amid a scorching heat wave.
The French Fire near Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County has burned more than 840 acres since erupting Thursday and was 5% contained as of Friday morning, according to fire officials.
Flames from the French Fire burn on a hillside above Mariposa, Calif., on July 5, 2024.
Noah Berger/AP
Residents of parts of Mariposa County have been ordered to evacuate due to the fire, impacting approximately 1,100 people, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire crews worked to establish a fireline around the eastern side of the community of Mariposa overnight and are focusing firefighting efforts on that side, Cal Fire said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire and smoke rise from French fire in Mariposa, Calif., July 4, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media.
Steve Aitchison via Reuters
Elsewhere, the Thompson Fire in Butte County has burned more than 3,700 acres and was 46% contained as of Friday morning, according to fire officials.
Twenty-five structures have been destroyed by the fire, and three firefighters sustained heat-related injuries while battling it, officials said.
Firefighters “continue to strengthen containment and control lines,” Cal Fire said Friday.
The fire burns as hot and dry conditions in the region are expected to continue into early next week, Cal Fire said.
The cause of the Thompson Fire also remains under investigation.
A boat crosses Lake Oroville with a smoldering hillside behind as the Thompson Fire burns in Oroville, Calif., on July 3, 2024.
Noah Berger/AP
An air tanker drops retardant while trying to stop the Thompson Fire from spreading in Oroville, Calif., July 3, 2024.
Noah Berger/AP
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County due to the Thompson Fire on Wednesday, a day after it ignited.
The largest active fire in the state — the Basin Fire in the Sierra National Forest — has burned more than 14,000 acres and was 46% contained as of Friday morning.
More than 1,300 fire crews have been battling the blaze in steep, rugged terrain, the U.S. Forest Service said. Extreme heat and dry conditions anticipated over the next few days could fuel the growth, officials said.
The cause of that fire, which started on June 26, remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas in California as a scorching heat wave continues to fuel wildfires across the state. The extreme heat, coupled with dry conditions and strong winds, has created dangerous fire conditions that are threatening homes and communities.
The wildfires, which have been burning for several days, have already consumed thousands of acres of land and forced residents to flee their homes. The evacuation orders are in place to ensure the safety of residents and to allow firefighters to battle the blazes without interference.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and excessive heat warnings for much of California, with temperatures soaring well above 100 degrees in some areas. This intense heat, combined with low humidity levels, has created a perfect storm for wildfires to spread rapidly and uncontrollably.
Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the blazes, but the extreme conditions are making their job incredibly difficult. Helicopters and air tankers are being used to drop water and fire retardant on the flames, but the sheer size and intensity of the fires are proving to be a major challenge.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to heed evacuation orders and to stay informed about the latest developments. It is crucial for people to have an emergency plan in place and to be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
The wildfires in California serve as a stark reminder of the increasing threat of climate change and the need for proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the devastating effects of wildfires. As temperatures continue to rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, it is essential for communities to be prepared and to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to wildfires.
In the meantime, firefighters will continue to battle the blazes and work tirelessly to protect lives and property. The support and cooperation of residents are crucial in ensuring that firefighters can do their job effectively and safely. By working together, we can overcome this crisis and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges.
