California wildfires burn through record 2M acres of land

“It’s a little unnerving because September and October are historically our worst months for fires,” Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff told the Associated Press. “It’s usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more of our wind events.”

Two of the largest fires in state history are currently burning in the northern part of the state. More than 14,000 firefighters are working to control the fires at more than 20 active wildfires around the state. Pacific Gas and Electric, California’s largest utility company, has cut off power to more than 100,000 customers in the hopes of preventing its power lines and equipment from sparking more fires.

“The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously,” said Randy Moore, regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, which covers California. “Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire.”

Over the weekend, officials saved hundreds of people who were trapped by the fires. National Guard rescuers airlifted more than 200 people to safety after fires trapped them in a camping area near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Two people were severely injured. People trapped in the raging Creek Fire in Central California were not as lucky. Multiple rescue attempts on Monday failed due to “heavy smoke conditions.”

One wildfire was started during a gender reveal party in El Dorado Ranch Park, California. The “smoke-generating pyrotechnic device” malfunction has resulted in the destruction of more than 7,000 acres of land.

More than 900 wildfires have occurred since Aug. 15.