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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.
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 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.
“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.
“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.
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.
The Dixie Fire brought back memories of Paradise, California’s most fire-ravaged city in recent history.
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.
Photos: AP and AFP
Photo montage: Enrique Villegas
AFP
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