Two dead in California fire

The large-scale fire exploded to more than 207 square kilometers in just two days. Now, in addition, another moment of concern is expected with thunderstorms, hot weather and winds meaning the fire risks spreading further.

Fuel beds are very dry and can catch fire with a flash of lightning. Thunderstorms bring gusty, choppy winds that can blow fires in any direction, said Adrian Freeman, a spokeswoman for the United States Forest Service.

The forest fire is the largest in the state so far this year. According to the Forest Service, up to 650 people are working to put out the fire.

On Sunday, two people were found dead in a burning car that was parked in the driveway of a house. Firefighters suspected that people failed to try to escape the fire.

Thousands have been evacuated

Nearly 2,000 people have been ordered to evacuate in Yreka, a town northeast of the national park. Hundreds more may have to leave their homes.

Two more fires broke out in the area around the national park over the weekend, threatening hundreds of homes.

Yrica resident Larry Castle told the Sacramento Bee that he and his wife only took a few of their possessions and their three dogs to leave the area overnight. According to Castle, previous fires had taught them that the situation could quickly become “very, very dangerous.”

declared a state of emergency

The state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency over the weekend, which means firefighters from other states can be called in.

According to Newsom, the fire destroyed apartment buildings and threatened critical infrastructure.

The McKinney fire broke out a few days after a large wildfire was contained near Yosemite National Park in the same state.

Large wildfires also broke out in Montana and Idaho.