In pics| California wildfire continues to wreak havoc
Trees scorched in Klamath National Forest
Trees along California Highway 96 in Klamath National Forest have been burning nonstop. The vegetation in the region has been directly consumed by the McKinney fire. The blaze exploded in size to more than 207 square kilometres just two days after erupting in a largely unpopulated area of Siskiyou County.
Lightning can increase the risks of wildfire
A firetruck drives along California Highway 96 as the McKinney Fire burns in Klamath National Forest. Reportedly, according to US Forest Service, the fuel beds are so dry that they can just erupt from lightning. These thunder cells come with gusty, erratic winds that can blow fire in every direction
Emergency declared in some parts of the state
Scorched vehicles and residences line the Oaks Mobile Home Park in the Klamath River community. A state of emergency has already been declared in some parts by Governor Gavin Newsom
Extent of damage not known yet
A horse grazes in a pasture as the McKinney Fire burns in Klamath National Forest. Authorities have not confirmed the extent of the damage yet, saying assessments would begin when it was safe to reach the area.
Evacuation orders issued
A man runs to a truck as McKinney wildfire continues to engulf the Klamath National Forest. A third fire, which was on the southwest end of the McKinney blaze, prompted evacuation orders for around 500 homes on Sunday. Fire crews had been on the scene of the fire since late Saturday but that the fire Sunday morning “became active and escaped its containment line.”
Climate change to blame for the wildfires
A scorched pickup truck rests on California Highway 96 in Klamath National Forest. Scientists say climate change has made the West warmer and drier in the past 30 years and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
Instructions issued to safely evacuate livestock's
A deer swims across the Klamath River as McKinney Fire burns out of control. Residents are being urged get out and safely evacuate their livestock onto trailers. Automated calls were being sent to land phone lines as well because there were areas without cell phone service.
)
)
)
)
)