Eight thousand firefighters battled huge blazes from 23 large fires in Northern California forests and woodlands Saturday. The fires have forced hundreds to flee their homes and have taken the life of a firefighter that went missing Thursday, the AP reports.
“Because of the dry conditions, because of the drought-stricken vegetation accompanied by the steep terrain and winds, we’re seeing fire activity that’s abnormal for this time of year,” said Nick Schuler, a division chief with the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Firefighters are hoping that cooler weather this weekend may provide some relief, although thunderstorms present an additional threat of more lightning strikes, the original source of many of the fires.
California Gov. Jerry Brown, D-Calif., declared a state of emergency for the state Friday and mobilized the California National Guard to help with disaster relief.
The Lower Lake area north of San Francisco is the location of the largest fire, which is only 5 percent contained. “Firefighters had to wade through thick smoke and flying embers to turn loose horses, goats and other livestock in rural neighborhoods as their owners fled to safety,” reports the AP.
The fire is threatening to burn 450 structures and has already incinerated three homes.
