Thousands evacuated due to California’s largest wildfire

At least 2,000 people have been evacuated in the US state of California due to a massive fire that broke out last Friday. Within two days, the fire, on the border with Oregon, had grown to more than 207 square kilometers. That makes it the largest wildfire this year in the western state. There have been no injuries so far.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the sparsely populated area. This means, among other things, that it is easier to seek help at the federal level.

The McKinney fire broke out in the North Klamath Nature Preserve, where it is extremely dry. There is also a thunderstorm on the way there and it is feared that the lightning strikes will cause the fires to increase in size. The fire was also ignited by strong winds. “The fire can then be fired in any direction,” said a spokesman for the United States Forest Service, which is responsible for the National Forest Service.

Residents of the area have been urged to leave their homes and evacuate their livestock as well. Not everyone answered the call.

About 60 hikers who walked the Pacific Coast Trail were also removed from the area. According to the authorities, they were not in immediate danger, but were collected as a precaution. More than 170 km of the road closed.