California’s Largest Wildfire Explodes Post-July 4th, Threatening Communities
California’s Largest Wildfire Explodes Post-July 4th, Threatening Communities
California is battling its largest wildfire of the year, the Madre Fire, which exploded in size over the recent July Fourth holiday. Igniting on Wednesday in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, the blaze has rapidly consumed over 82 square miles (212 square kilometers) of grasslands and remains only 10% contained as of Friday, July 5th.
Fueled by dry, hot weather and strong summer gusts, the Madre Fire has triggered evacuation orders and warnings for communities near State Route 166. Flames are pushing towards the Carrizo Plain National Monument, approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of Santa Maria. Portions of Route 166 East remain closed indefinitely, impacting travel.
Firefighters face extreme challenges, including temperatures reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius) and wind gusts up to 40 mph (64 kph). The Madre Fire is among dozens of blazes active statewide, compounding the wildfire threat. The Wolf Fire in Riverside County, which began June 29, is now 55% contained after charring over 3.7 square miles.
Meanwhile, unrelated to the wildfires, a structure fire in Pacoima on Thursday night destroyed four homes, with one woman critically injured, reportedly linked to exploding fireworks.
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