Current:Home > reviewsCalifornia's Dixie Fire Is Now The 2nd Largest In State History -AssetVision
California's Dixie Fire Is Now The 2nd Largest In State History
View
Date:2025-04-15 20:43:50
The Dixie Fire in Northern California, which has destroyed hundreds of buildings and whole communities, is now considered the second largest recorded wildfire in state history.
The fire, spanning Butte, Plumas, Lassen, & Tehama counties, has so far burned more than 463,000 acres and is 21% contained, according to CalFire.
In total acreage burned, the Dixie Fire has surpassed 2018's Mendocino Complex fire (459,123 acres) and last year's SCU Lightning Complex fire (396,624 acres) according to CalFire. With over 1 million acres burned in 2020, the August Complex Fire is the only recorded wildfire in California to have consumed more land than the Dixie Fire.
First igniting around July 13, the Dixie Fire had been burning in mostly remote areas. But the situation changed Wednesday as winds quickly sent flames toward communities near Lake Almanor, a popular vacation spot surrounded by small towns.
In recent days, the fire has destroyed most of the communities of Greenville and Canyondam — and threatens nearly 14,000 structures. CalFire said three firefighters have been injured battling the flames, though no fatalities have been reported.
While conditions have improved in the Sierra Mountains, Plumas County Sheriff Todd Johns said Saturday that the situation remains somewhat unpredictable.
"As with many wildfires, we have seen erratic behavior with the Dixie Fire," Johns told reporters. "The weather has cooperated for the last few days, but that could change — and we are certainly not in the clear yet."
Four people were unaccounted for in Plumas County as of Sunday morning.
Fourth-generation Greenville resident Teresa Hatch had been evacuated, returned home, and then was once again urged to leave.
"Where do you begin to start over?" Hatch told ABC News through tears. "Look at all these people that are misplaced now. Where are they going to go?"
Climate research has found higher average temperatures are increasing the length of the fire season and the number of places where fires can occur. California fire officials report more than a dozen active wildfires across the state, with more than 100 wildfires burning across the western U.S.
veryGood! (29914)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- George Lopez walks off stage early due to heckling; casino says he 'let down his fans'
- AP sources: 8 people with possible Islamic State ties arrested in US on immigration violations
- These $18.99 Swim Trunks Are an Amazon Top-Seller & They’ll Arrive by Father’s Day
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Off-duty guard charged with killing Seattle-area teen after mistaking toy for gun, authorities say
- Gov. Jay Inslee says Washington will make clear that hospitals must provide emergency abortions
- Raytheon discriminates against older job applicants, AARP alleges
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Mentally ill man charged in Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting can be forcibly medicated
Ranking
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Travis Kelce Adorably Shakes Off Taylor Swift Question About Personal Date Night Activity
- Virginia deputy dies after altercation with bleeding moped rider he was trying to help
- Top investigator in Karen Read murder case questioned over inappropriate texts
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Maren Morris came out as bisexual. Here's the truth about coming out.
- Truck hauling 150 pigs overturns on Ohio interstate
- The internet's latest crush is charming – and confusing – all of TikTok. Leave him alone.
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Rapper Enchanting Dead at 26
Mega Millions winning numbers for June 11 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $47 million
As the Country Heats Up, ERs May See an Influx of Young Patients Struggling With Mental Health
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
American teen falls more than 300 feet to her death while hiking in Switzerland
National Amusements ends Paramount merger talks with Skydance Media
Tiger Woods feeling at home with 'hot, humid' conditions at US Open