Rapidly expanding wildfires in both Northern and Southern California have destroyed homes and forced thousands to evacuate as dry conditions and high winds create a dangerous combination across the states. In the northern part of the state, CNN reports that winds have driven the “Camp fire” through residential neighborhoods and business districts. In some locations, the fire moved so quickly that residents trying to evacuate were cut off. ABC News reports that more than 30,000 homes are under threat from rapidly intensifying fires in Ventura County in Southern California. The fires have resulted in deaths, though the totals are not currently clear.
Though it has been burning less a day, the Camp Fire has already consumed over 30 square miles and surrounded the town of Paradise, 180 miles north of San Francisco. USA Today describes the wind-driven fire as “a wall of fire” cutting off paths of escape as 27,000 residents of the town hurried to evacuate.
Meanwhile, the Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire at the southern end of the state have grown nearly as quickly. The Hill Fire has already consumed 15 square miles, and seems to be consuming the area of fresh growth that followed a large fire in 2013.
The challenging fire conditions are expected to continue Friday in Southern California where wind alerts and red flag warnings have been issued and wind gusts could reach 70 mph and relative humidity could be as low as 2 percent.
If you are in an area under evacuation order … evacuate immediately. If you are in a nearby area, make plans for evacuation now.
The nonexistent humidity and high winds are creating explosive conditions. These fires are moving fast. Fast. Waiting too late to leave is a bad, bad idea.
As with hurricane evacuations, some people are in positions—personal health, caring for a loved one, lack of transportation—where evacuation may be difficult. Call your local authorities for help.
There are areas around Paradise where lines of cars were blocked by fire, became a traffic jam, and were consumed where they stood, with drivers and passengers—hopefully—fleeing on foot. Under these conditions, these fires will not be brought under control quickly. If you are nearby, be pessimistic. Assume it’s coming. If you can leave now, leave now.
Do not put your family in this position.
"People were abandoning their cars and running with their babies and kids. This was right before someone rammed our vehicle with theirs, trying to get through," Vaughn wrote on Facebook. "There were no firefighters in sight. I am hoping all of these people made it out."