California Wildfires: 8 Dead, More Than 230,000 Acres Charred
CALIFORNIA — Thousands of firefighters and personnel worked to contain more than a dozen wildfires burning Monday in California that killed eight people and destroyed hundreds of homes. As of Monday morning, the wildfires collectively burned more than 230,000 acres.
Northern California residents saw the biggest destruction with the largest wildfire in Shasta County. The Carr Fire, which ignited seven days ago in Whiskeytown before making its way to Redding, grew to more than 103,000 acres and was just 23 percent contained by Monday evening. The fire, which claimed the lives of six people, including two firefighters, destroyed more than 800 homes and threatened another 4,000 structures.
The Ferguson Fire, which prompted the temporary closure of parts of the popular Yosemite National Forest, grew to more than 57,000 acres by Monday evening. In its 18th day, the wildfire claimed the lives of two firefighters and injured another seven people. With the fire 30 percent contained, park officials were hopeful to reopen Yosemite Valley by the end of the week.
On Friday afternoon, two separate fires erupted in Mendocino County. The River Fire, which was 5 percent contained Monday morning, grew to 20,000 acres, while the Ranch Fire grew to 35,000 acres. That fire was also just 5 percent contained. More than 10,000 other structures remain threatened in the region.
Napa County saw some relief Monday morning after a brush fire erupted Saturday afternoon. The region, which was devastated just last year by deadly wildfires, saw crews gain containment on the 135-acre Steele Fire after it burned eight structures and damaged another four. The fire was 75 percent contained as of Monday morning.
Here’s How to Help Carr Fire Victims
California Carr Fire: Tragic New Photos Show Grave Destruction
In Southern California, crews continued to battle the Cranston Fire, which erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest. After burning more than 13,000 acres, the fire was 57 percent contained as of Monday morning. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)
Also in Southern California, firefighters gained an upper-hand on two wildfires that ignited just north of San Diego near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. By Monday evening, the Pasqual and Rock fires were fully and 90 percent contained, respectively, after burning more than 550 acres. Evacuations were lifted in those areas.
By Monday afternoon, a brush fire erupted in Los Angeles County in the Santa Clarita area. Officials estimated that 50 structures were at-risk.
The blazes prompted President Donald Trump over the weekend to sign an emergency declaration making federal emergency aid available to supplement state, local and tribal efforts.
Photo: A Los Angeles city firefighter walks through a charred field as he looks for hot spots after the Carr Fire burned through the area on July 29, 2018 in Redding, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Also See:
