California is currently facing an unprecedented wildfire known as Rocky Fire. Officials have evacuated 12,000 people from their homes so far. Rocky Fire has consumed 24 homes and 26 outbuildings. An additional 6,300 homes are presently in danger.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection there are currently 9,300 firefighters working to contain the wildfires ravaging California. Rocky Fire has managed to scorch 54,000 acres in three counties.
As of late Sunday, there were 21 wildfires burning within California. Both Oregon and Washington State have been affected by the extreme heat and drought conditions. In total, more than 134,000 acres have been charred.
State of Emergency Declared
Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency and has initiated the California National Guard. Rocky Fire has managed to ravage the Lower Lake area north of San Francisco. Drought conditions have turned California into a tinderbox according to Governor Jerry Brown. The wildfires are exacerbated by thunderstorms that have produced negligible amounts of rain.
Recent thunderstorms have been coupled with lightening that has ignited several smaller wildfires throughout the state. Wind has assisted the fires in their ability to spread. Evenings usually allow firefighters to fight the flames better because humidity levels are higher and assist fire activity in dying down, that has not been the case.
Drought Conditions Add Fuel to Fire
California is facing one of the most severe droughts on record according the State of California website. So far, Californians have managed to reduce water usage by 27.3%.
The State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Technology and Save Our Water have announced the launch of SaveWater.CA.Gov The new site will allow users to report suspected leaks and water waste from their mobile devices.
Protecting Against Wildfire
A separate fire, Frog Fire, continues to burn in the same area. Officials have asked for residents to use extreme caution during Red Flag warnings. Red Flag warnings are used by the National Weather Services to alert fire departments to critical weather conditions would lead to an increase in wildfire movement.
One firefighter has died so far. A fire in the Sacramento area has burned four other firefighters.
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