Aug, 3rd 2018 EST 16:00 | Redding, California, USA
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A deadly Northern California wildfire burned so hot and turned into a tornado of flame, worsening conditions throughout the region, according to Officials.
Duane Dykema, a meteorologist (National Weather Service ) said, Winds in the “fire whirl” created July 26 near Redding reached speeds of 143 mph (230 kph), a speed that rivaled some of the most destructive Midwest tornados.
That fire continues to burn about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of the Oregon border as firefighters there and throughout Northern California brace for worsening conditions this weekend.
Forecasters said areas with the highest threat include the massive blaze near Redding and two fires burning next to each other around Clearlake about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of San Francisco.
The Redding fire has grown to 206 square miles (533-square-kilometer) and has destroyed 1,060 homes and many other structures.
Two firefighters and four other people have been killed and one firefighter lost contact with headquarter is missing since the blaze, which ignited July 23, raced with extraordinary fury toward the region’s largest city. More than 1,300 homes remained threatened.
The combined fires have already destroyed 41 homes and forced 15,000 people to evacuate their homes immediatley.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman Jane LaBoa said wildfire remains several miles from the evacuated communities along the eastern shore of Clear Lake, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Sacramento
The wildfire has grown to 175 square miles (280 square kilometers) and is a few miles from connecting with a second blaze that has grown to 64 square miles (105 square kilometers).
The fire has reached into remote areas of the country’s third-oldest national park. Workers who live in Yosemite’s popular Valley region were ordered to leave Friday because of inaccessible roads.
Newsroom | theworldmail.co.uk
News Source Reference (Associated Press ), Contributor, Don Thompson (AP). More details on https://apnews.com/tag/Wildfires