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'Extreme behavior': California sets records as wildfires rip across state
Intense heat, parched conditions and "significant wind events" fueled record-shattering wildfires and strained the electrical grid across much of California on Monday, forcing the Forest Service to close eight national forests.
Widespread power outages had not materialized, although almost 60,000 homes and businesses were dark Monday afternoon. Pacific Gas & Electric warned customers in Central and Northern California that power might be cut Tuesday because of the increasing fire danger.
More than 12,000 lightning strikes in the last three weeks have sparked almost two dozen major fires, according to Cal Fire. The fires have burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed homes and caused thousands of residents to flee theirs.
California has been struggling with a record-breaking fire season this year – more than 2 million acres have already burned. The days ahead look equally grim.
"Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire,” said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region.
Gov. Gavin Newsom urged state residents to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees or higher, to use appliances sparingly and keep lights off whenever possible.
"Power outages were avoided ... due in large part to individual conservation efforts," Newsom said. "Even more conservation efforts are needed."
In Southern California, a pyrotechnic device used at a gender-reveal event sparked a fire that roared through thousands of acres. The El Dorado Fire near Yucaipa began burning Saturday, and authorities said the culprit was a device sometimes used to release blue or pink smoke to announce the gender of an expected baby.
The fire, 70 miles east of Los Angeles, had burned more than 7,000 acres and was 5% contained Monday. Evacuations were ordered in several small communities.
Temperatures in the fire zone have climbed into the 90s while downtown Los Angeles reached as high as 111 degrees in recent days. A record high temperature of 121 degrees was recorded in the nearby Woodland Hills neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley.
"CAL FIRE reminds the public that with the dry conditions and critical fire weather, it doesn't take much to start a wildfire," the press release stated. "Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially responsible and criminally responsible."
Fire officials: El Dorado blaze sparked during gender reveal party
The family that used the pyrotechnic device tried to extinguish the fire themselves, then called 911 and remained on the scene until firefighters arrived, Cal Fire Capt. Bennet Milloy said. The family has “absolutely been cooperating” with officials, Milloy told The Desert Sun on Monday. He described the event as a small gathering of family members rather than a "party."
No arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation and it will be up to the district attorney whether any charges will be filed, he said. Possible charges also depend on whether any homes are lost or injuries sustained, Milloy said.
In Northern California, helicopters pulled more than 200 people to safety early Sunday as flames raced nearby from the Creek Fire roaring through a section of the Sierra National Forest since Friday. Firefighters were able to save the tiny town of Shavers from the flames, but the blaze surrounded Mammoth Pool Campground and destroyed about 30 homes in the town of Big Creek.
More than 70,000 acres have burned, and the fire was listed as "0%" contained.
“'You can’t hardly see in front of you,” area resident Jack Machado said. “The sky’s turning red. It looks like Mars out there.”
National Guard leader Gen. Daniel Hokanson tweeted a photo of dozens of people crammed onto a helicopter.
"Simply extraordinary, lifesaving work by the @CalGuard airlifting more than 200 people to safety overnight from the imminent danger of the #CreekFire," Hokanson tweeted. "The National Guard stands Always Ready, Always There to support our communities and nation in times of need."
More than 200 campers rescued by helicopter: Creek Fire prompts state of emergency in California
Newsom has declared a statewide emergency because of the widespread fires and extreme weather conditions and secured a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state’s emergency response. He also issued an emergency proclamation for the counties of Fresno, Madera and Mariposa, which are fighting the Creek Fire; for San Bernardino County, which is battling the El Dorado Fire; and for San Diego County because of the Valley Fire.
More than 14,000 firefighters are battling the blazes.
"As we reflect on Labor Day, we want to thank the firefighters and first responders that have worked tirelessly battling the August Lightning Siege fires," Newsom said. "Thank you."
Contributing: Joshua Yeager, Visalia Times-Delta; Nicole Hayden and Colin Atagi, Palm Springs Desert Sun; The Associated Press
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