A massive Northern California wildfire has endangered over 2000 homes and displaced thousands more.
California's fire crews have evacuated many residents as an inferno raged on for a third day in the dry bushes of Lake Tahoe. Fire officials confirmed that the massive fire has burned nearly 11,331 hectares of government land and the El Dorado National Forest since Saturday.
According to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's website, a group of 3,300 firefighters have been deployed to curb the spreading inferno.
It is believed that no edifices have been destroyed by the fire. However, CalFire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, confirmed that 3,500 structures were endangered by the wildfire. Further, it stated that evacuation was ongoing for the affected families.
Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in response to the inferno. He also availed all government resources at his Emergency Service office to assist the firefighters.
Lannette Rangel, CalFire spokesperson, confirmed that various campgrounds across the forest have been closed. These campgrounds are known for river rafting and other activities.
It is reported that two firefighters suffered non-lethal injuries.
Initially, the fire was burning along the fork of American River and Pullock Pine in the northern community. Fuelled by dry vegetation, wind and low humidity, the fire was able to spread into the forest to the vast area it now engulfs. Calfire spokesperson stated that the pertinent wind was responsible for blowing the fires from the populated areas to the forest.
The cause of fire is under investigation. Going by the fire manager's statement, the 2014 wildfire is the most detrimental on record. However, this is not the first fire of its kind to hit the country this year. Another fire burnt down 150 buildings in Weed near Mount Shasta and the Oregon Border. According to Mark Merril, police volunteer, two churches, a sawmill, a library and a community center were among the structures that were destroyed. Over 30 homes were consumed by a third fire around Sierra Foothill.
