Topline
Roughly 1,100 people in Northern California were forced to evacuate Tuesday and Wednesday as the Electra Fire – believed to be sparked by Fourth of July fireworks or a barbecue – tripled in size, threatening more than 1,200 structures.
A firefighter burns vegetation while trying to keep the Electra Fire from reaching homes in the Pine … [+]
Key Facts
The Electra Fire has now consumed roughly 4,000 acres (6.1 square miles) in Northern California, and is only 5% contained, according to the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit.
The Electra Fire is one of six active wildfires in California and is by far the largest and least contained, ahead of the Rices Fire north of Sacramento (904 acres, 85% contained) and the Garrison Fire in California’s Coast Ranges north of San Luis Obispo (166 acres, 95% contained).
The National Weather Service’s seven-day forecast for Jackson, Calif., just north of the wildfire, shows no rain, light winds and daily highs in the 80s to 90s.
Karyn Larson watches an air tanker drop retardant as the Electra Fire burns towards her home in the … [+]
Key Background
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, however county officials believe it may have been sparked from July 4 fireworks or a barbecue. It was first reported at a crowded Amador County recreation area at 3:44 p.m. Monday – roughly 30 miles northeast of Stockton and 30 miles southeast of Sacramento. As of 9 p.m. Tuesday, 1,217 structures in two counties were threatened, while the fire was only 5% contained, according to the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit. Evacuation orders were extended on Tuesday into Calaveras County and Amador County, which have a combined population of 85,766, according to 2020 federal Census numbers.
Crucial Quote
“The rate of spread isn’t what it was like yesterday, but it is still spreading,” as firefighters battle short uphill runs, Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman told NBC’s Bay Area affiliate Tuesday.
Tangent
Wildfires are becoming more common and more intense along the parched West Coast and Rocky Mountains, and across the globe, as climate change leads to increased droughts, higher temperatures, and land use intensifies in mountainside communities, scientists say. According to a United Nations Report released in February, the risk of devastating wildfires will increase by 14% by 2030 and 30% by 2050.
Firefighter Rafael Soto battles the Electra Fire burning in the Rich Gulch community of Calaveras … [+]
Further Reading
Hundreds evacuated in California as Electra wildfire spreads in Sierra Nevada Gold Country (CBS News)
Electra Fire grows to 3,900 acres, threatens 1,200-plus structures (The Mercury News)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/07/06/thousands-flee-electra-california-wildfireheres-what-we-know-so-far/