NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Several new major wildland fires broke out during Wednesday's hot conditions, with the new incidents ranging from Shasta County to Lake County.
Cal Fire said the Wednesday afternoon fire activity in Northern California significantly increased as temperatures hit the triple digits and the winds became very gusty.
Despite the extremely challenging weather conditions, firefighters were able to contain some of the dozens of new wildland fires that were sparked, but the drought-caused dry vegetation, along with windy conditions, caused five of the wildland fires to grow, officials said.
Those new incidents included the Rocky fire near Lower Lake in Lake County; the Big Creek fire in Tuolumne County; the China and Mallard fires, both in Shasta County; and the Swedes fire in Butte County, Cal Fire reported.
Hundreds of residents were evacuated as a result of those five new incidents, fire officials said.
Hot, dry conditions with elevated fire danger are expected to continue on Thursday, according to Cal Fire.
For information on wildland fire preparedness, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org .
The following is a summary of major wildfire incidents around the state, with size estimates through late Wednesday night.
Cal Fire incidents
– Rocky fire: Began July 29 near Lower Lake in Lake County; 3,000 acres, zero containment. Evacuations in effect. Cause is under investigation.
– Big Creek fire: Began July 29 in Tuolumne County; 150 acres, zero containment. Cause is under investigation.
– China fire: Two fires that began July 29 in Shasta County; 150 acres, 50-percent contained. Evacuations in effect. Cause is under investigation.
– Mallard fire: Began July 29 in Shasta County; 75 acres, 50-percent contained. Evacuations in effect. Cause is under investigation.
– Swedes fire: Began July 29 in Butte County; 500 acres, 10-percent contained. Evacuations in effect. Cause is under investigation.
– Lowell fire: Began July 25 in Nevada County; 2,303 acres, 50-percent contained. Evacuation advisories in effect. Six injuries. Cause is under investigation. Estimated full containment: Aug. 3.
– Wragg fire: Began July 22 in Napa and Solano counties; 7,500 acres, 80-percent contained. Evacuations remain in effect. Two outbuildings destroyed, three outbuildings and one residence damaged. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation. Estimated full containment: Aug. 2.
– Queen fire: Began July 25 in Humboldt County; 158 acres, 75-percent contained. Two injuries. Cause is under investigation.
Federal incidents
– Cabin fire: Began July 29 in Tulare County; 180 acres, no containment. Caused by lightning.
– Willow fire: Began July 25 in Madera County; 2,077 acres, 30-percent contained. No injuries reported. Caused by arson.
– Cutca fire: Began July 24 in San Diego County; 167 acres, 75-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is unknown.
– Kyburz fire: Began July 23 in El Dorado County; 75 acres, 100-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation.
– Pines fire: Began July 17 in Los Angeles County; 200 acres, 100-percent contained. No injuries reported. Cause is under investigation.
– Lake fire: Began July 16 in San Bernardino County; 31,359 acres, 98-percent contained. No injuries reported. Human caused; remains under investigation.
– Washington fire: Began June 19 in Alpine County; 17,790 acres, 99-percent contained. No injuries reported. Caused by lightning. Estimated full containment: July 31.
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