Two of the top 10 largest wildfires in California history are currently raging across the state.
The SCU Lighting Complex burned 229,968 acres as of 5 pm PT, making it the seventh largest fire in California history. The LNU Lightning Complex destroyed 219,067 acres as of 5:49 pm PT, making it the 10th largest.
More than 560 fires have ignited 771,000 acres so far. Many of them are small, but more than two dozen are important. Nearly 12,000 firefighters are working to keep the wildfires under control.
There are also 24 air tankers, 88 helicopters, and more than 1,000 fire engines.
Bill Nichols, 84, was working to save his home when the LNU Lightning Complex burned through Vacaville, California, on August 19. Nichols has lived in the house for 77 years. (AP Photo / Noah Berger)
CALIFORNIA SLAMMED BY WILDFIRES, HEAT, UNHEALTHY SMOKY AIR
The wildfire took at least six lives and forced thousands out of their homes. State firefighters said four civilians were killed, as well as a Pacific Gas & Electric worker and a helicopter pilot.
Crews from neighboring states, including Oregon, Idaho and Arizona, came to help control the spread, according to Daniel Berlant, assistant deputy director for Cal Fire.
Seen in a long exhibition photo, slides burned at a hillside when the LNU Lightning Complex caught fire on August 18 through the ununited Napa County, California.
(AP Photo / Noah Berger)
Many of the fires were sparked by lightning strikes.
“The concentration of fire, the challenge we face in the state, is now disproportionately affecting Northern California. And that’s because it’s close to the 12,000 lightning strikes we’ve experienced over a 72-hour period,” he said. Govin Newsom of California (D) said Friday.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
