How to resolve AdBlock issue? NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – As summer gets started, thousands of firefighters are working major fires around California, with state officials reporting that the number of wildland fires this year is well above the annual average.
Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant reported Monday that more than 4,000 firefighters were making good progress battling six major wildfires in California.
Berlant said that, since Jan. 1, Cal Fire has responded to nearly 2,500 wildfires, a 50-percent increase compared to an average year.
“With dry drought conditions, there were over 270 new wildfires last week alone,” said Berlant. “The recent spike in wildfire activity is an important reminder for residents to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire.”
A rundown of major incidents around the state follows, with size estimates through late Monday.
Cal Fire incidents
– Corrine Fire: Began June 18 in Madera County; 920 acres, three structures destroyed, 85-percent contained. Cause is under investigation.
– Park Hill Fire: Began June 20, San Luis Obispo County; 1,800 acres, 16 structures and nine vehicles (including two RVs used as residences) destroyed, 80-percent contained. Cause was carbon buildup from an unknown vehicle exhaust system.
Unified command fires
– Lake Fire: Began June 17 in San Bernardino County; 17,405 acres, 24-percent contained. Cause is under investigation.
Federal incidents
– Washington Fire: Began June 19 in Alpine County; 13,562 acres, 10-percent contained. Caused by lightning.
– Sky Fire: Began June 18 in Madera County; 500 acres, 60-percent contained. Caused by a vehicle.
– Saddle Fire: Began June 10 in Trinity County; 1,542 acres, 95-percent contained. Caused by lightning.
To learn about wildland fire preparedness, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org .
Email Elizabeth Larson at
