City
Epaper

Massive wildfire in California prompts evacuation

By IANS | Updated: October 25, 2019 10:55 IST

About 2,000 people living in Northern California have been ordered to evacuate after a massive wildfire dubbed the 'Kincade Fire' exploded in size overnight.

Open in App

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the blaze ignited on Wednesday night exploded very fast, scorching over 40.5 sq.km by Thursday noon with zero containment, reports Xinhua news agency.

More than 500 firefighters were battling the blaze in Sonoma County, but their overnight efforts could only focus on evacuations and the high winds made the fire difficult to contain.

"Our aircraft can't drop in those conditions. When you have that kind of wind speed, the resistance to control is beyond our capabilities. Because of the terrain and fuel conditions and the heat and humidity, the containment is still very challenging." Mark Parks with Cal Fire told local KCRA news channel.

There were reports that dozens of buildings were burned down but so far there is no report of casualties.

The fire was reported to have started near the Geysers Geothermal Plant, the world's largest geothermal field, but there officials were yet to ascertain it.

Meanwhile, another wildfire dubbed the 'Tick Fire' was reported on Thursday in the Southern California city of Santa Clarita, 60 km northwest of downtown Los Angeles, which moved quickly downhill toward Canyon Country, a residential community nearby.

The flames had spread to 0.8 sq.km within 20 minutes and scorched over 3.4 sq.km by Thursday evening.

Aerial video showed that some outdoor structures were damaged and the flames were dangerously close to homes in some areas. At least one home appeared to be on fire.

Hundreds of firefighter from Los Angeles County and Orange County were battling the blaze with four airtankers.

The fire came amid red flag warnings issued for some areas in Southern California due to extreme wildfire risk.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

NationalPunjab govt’s attitude arrogant, Centre will take appropriate action: State BJP chief Jakhar

InternationalEAM Jaishankar calls on Philippines President in New Delhi

NationalEAM Jaishankar calls on Philippines President in New Delhi

NationalCalcutta HC moved against Bengal government's decision to enhance Durga Puja dole

CricketTeam India’s Upcoming Test Matches: When Will Shubman Gill-Led Team Play Red-Ball Cricket After England Series?

International Realted Stories

InternationalSouth Korea to resume inter-Korean projects when contact with North is reestablished: Minister

InternationalSingapore launches Economic Strategy Review to navigate global shifts

InternationalBangladesh: Two more people die of dengue, death toll rises to 86 in 2025

InternationalPakistan gearing up to land spacecraft on Moon by 2035 with China's support

InternationalEAM Jaishankar meets Philippine President Marcos