Firefighters in California have made progress in containing a wildfire near Oroville, with containment increasing from 29% to 46%. The fire has burned nearly 6 square miles and led to the destruction of 25 structures while damaging another six. Evacuation orders for around 17,000 people were lifted. The efforts were successful due to containment lines being enforced effectively without the interference of wind, according to Cal Fire Capt. Alejandro Cholico.
A new fire, named the French Fire, started near Mariposa in the Sierra Nevada foothills, causing evacuations in the Gold Rush town. However, firefighters managed to create a line along the eastern side of Mariposa, helping to control the flames spread over 1.3 square miles before the fire activity eased. The number of reported firefighter injuries in the area was reduced from four to two, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In connection with ongoing wildfires, forecasters have warned of a prolonged heatwave in California spreading into the Pacific Northwest. The scorching heat is expected to persist into the following week, raising concerns over above-average temperatures. Death Valley National Park is forecasted to experience extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 129 degrees on Sunday and hovering around 130 degrees through Wednesday.
California has witnessed numerous wildfires since late spring, fueled by the abundant growth of grasses following consecutive wet winters that have since dried out. While most fires have been contained at a small scale, some like the Basin Fire in the Sierra National Forest, burning nearly 22 square miles, have grown significantly. The Basin Fire was 46% contained as of Friday.
