The tinderbox conditions out in California fueled a wildfire in Mariposa County that exploded in size overnight. Flames moved quickly and intensified burning over 4,000 hectares since it began on Friday forcing more than 6,000 persons to evacuate.
The so-called Oak fire reached Sierra National Forest and continues to spread near Yosemite National Park as it challenges firefighters who are struggling to contain it.
“Explosive fire behavior presents a challenge for firefighters,” California’s Fire Department declared in a statement. About 400 firefighters and four helicopters were dispatched to fight the fire.
During the night, the massive fire spread at an alarming rate. At least 10 structures were burned and five damaged. Another 2,000 buildings are currently threatened.
The fire left buildings in ruin and came dangerously close to others calling for a state of emergency in part of California considering it the largest active wildfire in the United States.
The state of emergency declared in Mariposa County will allow the state to receive federal assistance to help fight the fires.
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