Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says

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By Aya Elamroussi, Rachel Ramirez and Stella Chan, CNN

7 minute read

Updated 9:54 PM EDT, Thu August 26, 2021

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (1)

Firefighters battle the Bennett Fire in California.

CNN —

Hundreds of California residents are under evacuation orders after new fires were sparked Wednesday, with another heat wave expected to make fighting the flames even more challenging.

California is already battling the massive Dixie Fire, the state’s second-largest fire and 14th most destructive on record, which has now grown to more than 747,000 acres and remains 45% contained. The blaze is threatening more than 11,800 structures and has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in Plumas, Lassen, Butte, Tehama and Shasta counties.

“Fires burning in Northern California are exhibiting extreme fire growth based on critical fuel conditions,” Cal Fire said in an incident update on Thursday. “Under these drought conditions, wildfires are burning rapidly with extreme severity and have traveled up to 8 miles in a single day. Fuel conditions are much worse than previous years and along with wind is causing much greater fire spread. Firefighters are experiencing conditions never seen before, such as increased spread rates, spotting and active nighttime burning.”

Another wildfire burning in Northern California’s Trinity National Forest is the Monument Fire, which has burned 157,287 acres and is 20% contained.

Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay is shrouded in smoke from the Caldor Fire, near South Lake Tahoe, California, on Tuesday, August. 24, 2021. Rich Pedroncelli/AP Related article These 7 states are under air quality alerts as wildfires rage in the West

Meanwhile, the Caldor Fire has scorched 136,643 acres since it began August 14 and was 12% contained Thursday morning, according to Cal Fire. The fire, burning in El Dorado and Amador Counties, is the state’s number one priority, officials say.

“We get the first opportunity for additional resources that become available,” Cal Fire Incident Commander Dusty Martin said in a briefing Wednesday night. “We have been very fortunate in the past couple of days where we’ve seen a huge influx of resources into the Caldor Fire and as our operations talked about, we’re starting to see the fruits of those labors.”

“We’re starting to gain ground on this fire and it’s making a difference,” he added.

City declares emergency

The city of South Lake Tahoe declared an emergency Thursday as accelerating winds pushed the Caldor Fire closer to the popular tourist destination.

“With red flag conditions possible over the coming days, the Caldor Fire could spread rapidly into more populated communities and significantly broader areas,” the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said in a statement, adding that communities up to and including South Lake Tahoe may have to evacuate.

While the city’s emergency proclamation does not include evacuation orders, it does leverage state and federal resources to direct immediate disaster relief funds and waive certain rules for greater flexibility, the city government said in a news release posted on Facebook.

“At this time, we are prepared should an evacuation become necessary, but the firefighters on the front lines are doing incredible work to secure the perimeter of the fire and our hope is that they are able to prevent the fire from encroaching any further into the Tahoe Basin,” city spokesperson Lindsey Baker told CNN.

The city’s emergency declaration comes after evacuation orders were issued to Echo Summit and warnings were extended for the first time to portions of the Tahoe Basin, including Christmas Valley, which is just south of the city of South Lake Tahoe.

The last time South Lake Tahoe was under mandatory evacuation orders was in 2007, when parts of the region were ordered to leave due to the Angora Fire, Baker said. The city is home to more than 22,000 people.

Crews battled 34 new blazes Wednesday

Firefighters battled 34 new blazes in the state Wednesday, Cal Fire said, attributing two new large fires to drought conditions.

As of Thursday morning, 33,323 people in California were under evacuation orders due to the wildfires, according to the Office of Emergency Services.

The Airola Fire was sparked in Calaveras County and prompted officials to issue evacuation warnings and orders, according to the county’s sheriff’s office. The fire has scorched about 700 acres and is 10% contained.

In San Bernardino County, the South Fire scorched 700 acres and destroyed 18 structures, including numerous homes, after it started Wednesday and was 0% contained, Cal Fire said on Thursday. The fire is burning near Lytle Creek, a small community in the San Gabriel Mountains.

“We’ve lived here over 30 years and this is the fastest I’ve ever seen a fire progress,” a resident told CNN affiliate KABC. “We got home and there was no time to evacuate, no time to get anything so it’s just whatever we’re wearing, this is it.”

“We know several of our neighbors’ homes (have) burned, we’re still not sure what the status is of our house,” the resident added.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (3)

A firefighter works on a burning house as the South Fire burns in Lytle Creek, San Bernardino County, California.

Parts of the county were put under evacuation orders and warnings while other residents were advised to shelter in place, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday in a Facebook post. The evacuation orders are in effect for 1,000 people, officials said.

Laura Mills told CNN affiliate KCBS she lives in in the area where the fire is currently burning.

“I came home and got the dogs,” she told the news outlet. “Hopefully our house is going to make it.”

Meanwhile, the Bennett Fire began Wednesday in Nevada County and prompted officials to issue evacuations in some areas as well as order others to shelter in place, the county’s office of emergency services said in a tweet. As the 59-acre fire was 70% contained, Cal Fire said, and some of those evacuation orders were lifted.

A devastating wildfire season

So far this year, firefighters have battled 6,773 new wildfires across the state that have burned more than 1.6 million acres, according to Cal Fire.

In the same time period last year, crews battled 7,389 fires.

According to Cal Fire, Northern California has so far experienced large fire activity and will “likely experience an extended fire season.”

The Office of Emergency Services says nearly 700 people are seeking shelter in 16 facilities throughout the state.

“Don’t wait, evacuate!” is their reminder to residents to heed emergency notifications.

Temperatures are expected to be 5 to 10 degrees above normal through the weekend in California, CNN meteorologist Michael Guy said.

And while this isn’t uncommon for the region during this time of year, “any type of temperature increase is not good for the firefighters or any personnel fighting the fires with their exposure to intense temperatures as it is,” Guy said. He noted that the warmer weather is not expected to worsen the current fire conditions.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (4)

The Alisal Fire burns near Goleta, California, on Tuesday, October 12.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (5)

A firefighter puts out a roadside fire in Goleta, California, on Wednesday, October 13.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (6)

An air tanker drops retardant on a wildfire in Goleta.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (7)

James Grooms looks through the remains of his home at the Rancho Marina Mobile Home & RV Park following the Brannan Fire in Sacramento County, California, on Tuesday, October 12.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (8)

Firefighter Tyler McManigal battles the Alisal Fire in Gaviota, California, on October 12.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (9)

A forest of ashen trees stands in the wake of the Windy Fire, south of California Hot Springs, on September 27.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (10)

A volunteer attempts to evacuate horses to safety as the Windy Fire expands in California's Sequoia National Forest on September 25.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (11)

Operations Section Chief Jon Wallace looks at the General Sherman giant sequoia tree at Sequoia National Park on September 22. The base of the tree, the world's largest by volume, was wrapped in an aluminum-based burn-resistant material to protect it from wildfires.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (12)

Firefighters spray water as flames from the Windy Fire push toward a road in California's Sequoia National Forest on September 22.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (13)

Firefighters battling the Windy Fire extinguish a spot fire in the Sequoia National Forest on September 19.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (14)

The Windy Fire burns in the Trail of 100 Giants grove in the Sequoia National Forest on September 19.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (15)

A helicopter drops water on the KNP Complex Fire burning in Sequoia National Park on September 15.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (16)

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (45)

A table and chairs sit in front of a destroyed home in Greenville, California, on August 12.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (46)

A firefighter battles the Dixie Fire near Taylorsville, California, on August 10.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (47)

Smoke plumes rise from the Kwis Fire near Eugene, Oregon, on August 10.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (48)

A firefighter works to extinguish a controlled burn, a preventative measure, to protect a home in Greenville, California, on August 9.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (49)

Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire clear a fallen tree from a roadway in Plumas County, California, on August 6.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (50)

Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a pickup truck on Highway 89, south of Greenville, California, on August 5.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (51)

Operations Chief Jay Walter passes the historic Sierra Lodge as the Dixie Fire burns through Greenville, California, on August 4. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (52)

Firefighters work at a Greenville home that was engulfed by the Dixie Fire on August 4.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (53)

The Dixie Fire burns near Taylorsville, California, on July 29.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (54)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tour an area destroyed by the Tamarack Fire in Gardnerville, Nevada, on July 28.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (55)

Firefighter Brentt Call walks through a burned-over area of the Bootleg Fire near Klamath Falls, Oregon, on July 27.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (56)

Cal Fire Capts. Tristan Gale, left, and Derek Leong monitor a firing operation in California's Lassen National Forest on July 26. Crews had set a ground fire to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (57)

Firefighters try to reach a fire site in Quincy, California, on July 25.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (58)

Volunteers sort clothing at a donation shelter for those affected by the Bootleg Fire in Bly, Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (59)

Scott Griffin surveys his property, which was destroyed by the Bootleg Fire in Sycan Estates, Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (60)

Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, California, on July 24.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (61)

People stand behind the fire line as flames from the Steptoe Canyon Fire spread through dry grass in Colton, Washington, on July 22.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (62)

Plumes of smoke from the Dixie Fire rise above California's Plumas National Forest, near the Pacific Gas and Electric Rock Creek Power House, on July 21.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (63)

Firefighters walk near a wildfire in Topanga, California, on July 19.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (64)

A firefighter does mop-up work in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, which has been struggling with the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (65)

A car is charred by the Bootleg Fire along a mountain road near Bly, Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (66)

Nicolas Bey, 11, hugs his father, Sayyid, near a donated trailer they are using after their home was burned in the Bootleg Fire near Beatty, Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (67)

Firefighters extinguish hot spots in an area affected by the Bootleg Fire near Bly, Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (68)

A bear cub clings to a tree after being spotted by a safety officer at the Bootleg Fire in Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (69)

Firefighters work to protect Markleeville, California, from the Tamarack Fire on July 17. The Tamarack Fire was started by a lightning strike.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (70)

The Tamarack Fire burns in Markleeville, near the California-Nevada border, on July 17.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (71)

A member of the Northwest Incident Management Team 12 holds a map of the Chuweah Creek Fire as wildfires devastated Nespelem, Washington, on July 16.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (72)

A cloud from the Bootleg Fire drifts into the air near Bly, Oregon, on July 16.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (73)

Firefighters spray water from the Union Pacific Railroad's fire train while battling the Dixie Fire in California's Plumas National Forest on July 16.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (74)

Horses climb a hillside that was burned by the Chuweah Creek Fire in eastern Washington.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (75)

Fire from the Bootleg Fire illuminates smoke near Bly, Oregon, on the night of July 16.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (76)

A firefighter battles the Bootleg Fire in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, along the Oregon and California border, on July 15.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (77)

A firefighting aircraft drops flame retardant on the Bootleg Fire in Bly, Oregon, on July 15.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (78)

Firefighters dig away at hot spots underneath stumps and brush after flames from the Snake River Complex Fire swept through the area south of Lewiston, Idaho, on July 15.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (79)

Burned cars sit outside a home that was destroyed by the Chuweah Creek Fire in Nespelem, Washington.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (80)

Evacuee Dee McCarley hugs her cat Bunny at a Red Cross center in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on July 14.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (81)

An airplane drops fire retardant on the Chuweah Creek Fire in Washington on July 14.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (82)

Operations Section Chief Bert Thayer examines a map of the Bootleg Fire in Chiloquin, Oregon, on July 13.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (83)

Fire consumes a home as the Sugar Fire, part of the Beckwourth Complex Fire, tears through Doyle, California, on July 10. It's the second time in less than a year that the small town has been ravaged by a wildfire.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (84)

Men hug a member of the Red Cross at a Bootleg Fire evacuation center in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (85)

Embers blow across a field as the Sugar Fire burns in Doyle, California, on July 9.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (86)

Firefighters monitor the Sugar Fire in Doyle, California, on July 9.

Northern California wildfires traveled up to 8 miles in a single day, Cal Fire says | CNN (87)

In this long-exposure photograph, taken early on July 2, flames surround a drought-stricken Shasta Lake during the Salt Fire in Lakehead, California.

In pictures: Wildfires raging in the West

Study: Wildfire smoke threatens possible Covid-19 surge

The 88 large wildfires currently burning in the United States have scorched 2.5 million acres, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, and their smoke has put thousands under poor air quality alerts.

Thick wildfire smoke blanketed the resort communities of Lake Tahoe this week as the Caldor Fire burning east of Sacramento, California, continued to swell.

Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay is shrouded in smoke from the Caldor Fire, near South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021. The massive wildfire, that is over a week old, has scorched more than 190 square miles, (492 square kilometers) and destroyed hundreds of homes since Aug. 14. It is now less than 20 miles from Lake Tahoe. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Rich Pedroncelli/AP Related article Tahoe, Reno areas have worst air quality in country due to smoke, raising concerns about a Covid surge

The Air Quality Index, a measure of how unhealthy the air is, spiked to 694 in Tahoe City on Monday, according to AirNow.gov. In Reno on Tuesday, the AQI hit 453. An AQI between 300 and 500 is considered “a health warning of emergency conditions” in which even healthy individuals are at risk for respiratory illness. AQI below 50 indicates the air is healthy and poses little to no risk, even to individuals with respiratory disease.

The index has been around or above 300 in the Tahoe and Reno areas every day since Friday.

Washoe County, which includes Reno, issued a Stage 3 Emergency air quality advisory on Monday for the first time, warning residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed.

Compounding the problem, researchers have found recently that wildfire smoke has a significant impact on the severity of coronavirus cases. A study published this month in the journal Science Advances found increases in fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke in 2020 led to a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths in California, Oregon and Washington.

“What’s happening in Lake Tahoe and in Reno is very concerning,” Francesca Dominici, a researcher at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and co-author on the wildfire smoke study, told CNN, “because we know that exposure to a high level of fine particulate matter can amplify the negative effect of the pandemic.”

Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations have been climbing precipitously in the Reno area over the past several weeks, according to Washoe County health data. Coronavirus cases in Washoe County on Monday were up 24% compared to the week before, and hospitalizations increased by more than 18%.

CNN’s Andy Rose, Cheri Mossburg and Alexandra Meeks contributed to this report.