Hot and dry conditions in the US state of California continue to worry fire and weather officials as crews work to contain multiple fires statewide.
As of Monday, a fire in the Gorman area, which started over the July 4 holiday weekend, had burned more than 400 hectares of vegetation and was only about 10 per cent contained, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
“We’re trying to increase that percentage of containment to make sure the fire doesn’t advance or jump out of the area that it’s already burned,” Captain Ron Haralson said.
There were 200 fire personnel working on the blaze, Harrelson said, but concern remains over the possibility of temperatures increasing, in the “extremely dry” conditions.
The National Weather Service said warmer – and drier-than-usual – conditions will continue in southwestern California this week, with even higher temperatures by the week’s end. The valleys and mountains could see highs up to 45C by the weekend.
In far Northern California, crews are working to contain the Lava fire, Salt fire and Tennant fire, which have forced the evacuation of thousands of people and once again smothered large stretches of the state in thick smoke.
The Salt fire had burned 4730 hectares and was only 20 per cent contained as of Monday. There are nearly 750 fire personnel working in the area, and evacuation orders remain in place.
The Lava fire, burning northeast of Weed, is more than 10,100 hectares in size and was 70 per cent contained on Monday. The fire, the most destructive in California this year, was sparked by lightning on June 24.
Officials said 45 structures have been destroyed, including 12 homes.
Fire officials said an increase in southwesterly winds is expected on Tuesday, “which will result in a potential for critical fire weather conditions due to critically dry and gusty conditions”.
AAP
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