Monsoons and thunderstorms across the state—with the accompanying lightning strikes—have led to hundreds of new fires in California. California firefighters are stretched to the limit trying to fight all these fires. Reporter Heather Clisby has more details…
Over the past several days, California experienced approximately 10,849 lightning strikes that resulted in 367 new fires. There are currently 6,900 fire personnel from State, local and federal agencies fighting hard to contain the blazes.
Furthermore, California has requested 125 out-of-state fire engines to help with the efforts. Handcrews, diverse teams of career and temporary wildland firefighters, have also been summoned from other states. Nearly all private firefighting Call When Needed (CWN) aircraft in the Western US have been put into service during this fire siege.
San Bernardino County Fire urges the community to heed all warnings of law enforcement and remain prepared to evacuate at any moment. At this time, over 300,000 acres in California have burned.
AS OF AUGUST 18:
| CAL FIRE Wildland Fires: 5,571 | Acres burned: 105,666 |
| Federal Wildland Fire: 1,183 | Acres burned: 203,170 |
| Combined Fires: 6,754 | Acres burned: 308,836 |
