More than 5,000 firefighters tackle massive California wildfire



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UNITED STATES (AFP) .- A The massive wildfire raging across northern California became the third largest in state history on Friday, and should continue to spread.

A long drought, which stops is driven by the climate crisis, has left the western United States parched and vulnerable to explosives and destructive flames.

The largest wildfire in California ravaged a small town, warping street posts and destroying historic buildings hours after residents were ordered to flee.
California’s largest wildfire raged through a small town, warping street posts and destroying historic buildings hours after residents were ordered to flee.Josh Edelson – AFP

This week, the Dixie Fire ravaged Greenville, a historic gold rush town in the upstate. From the start, in mid-July, burned more than 1,700 square kilometers.

The Dixie fire is already the sixth largest in California state history and is still spreading thanks to strong winds and a dry environment
The Dixie fire is already the sixth largest in California state history and is still spreading thanks to strong winds and a dry environment.Josh Edelson – AFP

The Plumas County Sheriff, Todd Johns, who helps with coordination From fighting to fires, he said the destruction was devastating.

“I am a long time resident of Greenville. My heart is devastated by what happened here, “he said in a statement yesterday.

A firefighter inspects a historic building that burned down in the Dixie Fire in decimated downtown Greenville, California.  Greenville, is a valley settlement of India of a few hundred people dating back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush. It was engulfed in flames as winds blew hell through the community, rendering the orange sky
A firefighter inspects a historic building that burned down in the Dixie Fire in decimated downtown Greenville, California. Greenville, is a valley settlement of India of a few hundred people dating back to the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. It was engulfed in flames as the winds blew hell towards the community, making the sky orangeJosh Edelson – AFP

“To those who lost their homes and businesses, their lives have changed forever, and all I can tell you is: I’m sorry,” he added.

The town of Greenville was charred and in ruins on Friday. The wooden structures have completely disappeared and some buildings have been reduced to rubble by fire.

Todds said there had been no injuries so far, but stressed that it was vital that people comply with evacuation orders.

House on fire as Dixie fire continues in Greenville
House on fire as Dixie fire continues in GreenvilleJosh Edelson – AFP

“This fire is not over. If the flames are in your direction, you must prepare. Wherever the wind blows, this is where the fire will go, ”he warned.

More than 5,000 firefighters fight the blaze which sends huge plumes of smoke into the air, visible from space.

Homes and cars destroyed by fire in downtown Greenville, Plumas County, California
Homes and cars destroyed by fire in downtown Greenville, Plumas County, California Noah Berger – AP

During the night the Dixie fire it spanned 174,000 acres, overtaking the Bootleg fire that devastated part of Oregon last month.

As of mid-July, the area burned in California was over 250% from 2020, which in turn was the worst year in modern state history.

Healdsburg firefighter Justin Potter rests as his team prepares to fight the Dixie fire in the community of Clear Creek, Lassen County, California.
Healdsburg firefighter Justin Potter rests as his team prepares to fight the Dixie fire in the community of Clear Creek, Lassen County, California.Noah Berger – AP

The Dixie Fire brought back memories of Paradise, California’s most fire-ravaged city in recent history.

California's largest wildfire ravaged a small town, destroying historic buildings hours after residents were ordered to flee.
California’s largest wildfire ravaged a small town, destroying historic buildings hours after residents were ordered to flee.Josh Edelson – AFP

Then faulty power lines set off flames that swept through northern Paradise Town in 2018, killing 86 people. Pacific Gas and Electric, California’s largest electricity company, has been held responsible.

Greenville resident Kesia Studebaker, who lost her home in the Dixie fire, secures her belongings before leaving an evacuation shelter in Susanville, California.  She is accompanied by her dog Logan. "I lost everything.  That's all i have left"Studebaker said and added "It's a new beginning, a new adventure"
Greenville resident Kesia Studebaker, who lost her home in the Dixie fire, secures her belongings before leaving an evacuation shelter in Susanville, California. She is accompanied by her dog Logan. “I’ve lost everything. It’s all I have left,” Studebaker said, adding “It’s a new beginning, a new adventure.”Noah Berger – AP

Photos: AP and AFP

Photo montage: Enrique Villegas

AFP

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