Wildfires sweep CaliforniaMultiple wildfires have erupted across California as the state endures its most intense heatwave of the year, with conditions expected to persist through the weekend.
The largest blaze, the Pickett fire, surged in size on Thursday in a remote part of Napa County and had scorched more than 3,200 acres (850 hectares) by Friday afternoon. Authorities issued evacuation orders and warnings for hundreds of residents around Calistoga, a wine-producing city in the region. Firefighters reported containment at just 5% as they battled the flames in extreme heat and rugged terrain.
“Firefighter safety will be an emphasis once again Friday, with temperatures expected to reach into the upper 90s,” California’s fire agency, CalFire, said in an update.
Battalion chief Bob Todeschini confirmed there had been no injuries or property damage but urged residents to remain cautious. “We’d like to remind everyone to be vigilant and have a plan as we continue with suppression efforts,” he said in a video message.
The fresh outbreaks coincide with soaring fire risks across the American west. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) warned of “hot, dry and unstable conditions” from California to Washington, with temperatures 10-25F above normal. Low humidity and possible dry thunderstorms could spark further blazes.
This year has already proved the busiest for US wildfires in over a decade, with more than 44,800 ignitions recorded. Nearly 16,500 firefighters and support staff are tackling blazes that have consumed about 912,400 acres nationwide.
Officials cautioned that even after the current heatwave passes, the danger will remain. Large areas of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming face heightened fire risks through September and October, with vegetation described as dangerously dry and overgrown.
The extreme heat is also taking a toll on public health. The National Weather Service has issued warnings across several states, stretching from Arizona to Washington, saying the conditions could break daily temperature records and pose serious risks to those without access to cooling or hydration.
