The extent of wildfire in California has increased dramatically, making it the state’s biggest fire so far this year.
According to the state’s fire department, the McKinney Fire, which began on Friday in the northern Siskiyou county, has burned 21,000 hectares (52,500 acres) so far.
Both locals and hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail have left the area—at least 2,000 people. Unknown numbers of residences have been lost.
The fire brigade said that as of Monday morning, it was still completely uncontained.
In the Klamath National Forest, close to the Oregon border, the McKinney Fire is raging. According to the Los Angeles Times, 650 firemen are battling the fires in stifling temperatures.
Given the ongoing drought conditions in California, there is a red flag warning in effect signalling the possibility of hazardous fire conditions.
Following the destruction of homes and threat to infrastructure, Siskiyou County received a state of emergency declaration on Saturday, according to state governor Gavin Newsom.
He said, “Dry fuels, terrible drought conditions, high temperatures, winds, and lightning storms fueled and spread the fire.”
According to the US Forest Service, several settlements are in danger, including Yreka and Fort Jones.
Authorities issue a warning that potential thunderstorms may cause more flames to spread in the upcoming days.
The likelihood of hot, dry weather, which is prone to start wildfires, is increasing due to climate change.
Since the start of the industrial age, the world has already warmed by around 1.1C, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments drastically reduce emissions.
The current fire is the second significant conflagration to recently affect the state. The Oak Fire, close to Yosemite National Park, has been 67 per cent contained after eight days of raging, according to the fire service Cal Fire.
The fire season is still months away in California.