The Dixie Fire that has burned in two Northern California counties for 23 days is now the third-largest wildfire ever recorded in the state, officials said Friday.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the land engulfed by flames in Butte and Plumas counties amounted to 432,813 acres since the wildfire began on July 14. The fire was 35% contained as of Friday morning.
“The Dixie Fire remained very active overnight with warm temperatures, poor relative humidity recoveries, and strong overnight winds fueling fire behavior,” the department wrote in a statement. “The fire continues to move towards control lines, burning unburned interior islands and ridges.”
The department said 8,707 personnel have been deployed to “fight 29 major wildfires/complexes in California.”
DAYSLONG WILDFIRE RAVAGES HOMES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
This Friday, more than 8,707 firefighters continue to fight 29 major wildfires/complexes in California.
Do your part ensure you are prepared for a wildfire by visiting https://t.co/9pM4R3eJxj. pic.twitter.com/KImYUYbLAv
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 6, 2021
More than 100 structures have been destroyed and more damage is expected in the coming days, Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns told CNN. The sheriff added there were four people who were unaccounted for in the area Thursday.
“What I am telling folks at this time is if a plume of smoke is anywhere near your direction, and you’re still miles away from it, you need to prepare [to leave] even if you haven’t heard that you are under a warning,” Johns said.
The National Weather Service in Seattle posted satellite images from the fires on Thursday, showing some from the fires filling into Oregon.
Satellite loop Thursday through midday, smoke from California fires swirling up through Oregon. pic.twitter.com/rWTZ8IyYq8
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) August 5, 2021
NASA astronaut Megan McArthur posted to Twitter on Thursday an image of the fires seen from the International Space Station.
“I am saddened to see these fires in my home state of California. Sending best wishes from @Space_Station for the safety and well-being of everyone impacted,” the California native wrote.
I am saddened to see these fires in my home state of California. Sending best wishes from @Space_Station for the safety and well-being of everyone impacted. pic.twitter.com/vtUVkNdz5W
— Megan McArthur (@Astro_Megan) August 5, 2021
The bulk of the town of Greenville in Plumas County was ravaged by the flames on Thursday. One firefighter was captured on camera saving an American flag from being caught in the flames as the Gold Rush town sustained heavy damages.
?: A firefighter saves an American flag as flames from the Dixie Fire consume a home in Greenville, California. Authorities say over 100 homes have been destroyed in the area.
The massive wildfire has now scorched through more than 361,000 acres. https://t.co/FHf3OKXMQl pic.twitter.com/1za8Brx3Uh
— ABC News (@ABC) August 6, 2021
The Dixie Fire is now close to eclipsing the size of the July 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire, during which 459,123 acres burned, 280 structures were destroyed, and one fatality was recorded.
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Last year’s August Complex is the largest multi-wildfire incident in California’s history, which led to 1,032,648 acres of scorched earth and 935 structures being destroyed from the flames. One death was reported in connection to that fire, according to the California government.
