Wildfires hit California and Nevada: Thousands of residents evacuated and upcoming extreme heat

The wildfires in California and Nevada have forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, and meteorologists warn temperatures will rise to record levels in the coming days. Of the 14 active fires in California, one is particularly intense and has created its own weather pattern.

California's Line Fire intensifies

The Line Fire originated in the San Bernardino Mountains and has scorched 17,459 acres as of Sunday. Since its start last Thursday, the fire has quadrupled in size, prompting massive evacuations in nearby areas. The flames, fueled by strong winds, are kicking up dense plumes of smoke and their erratic advance has complicated the efforts of more than 600 firefighters deployed to contain the blaze, which remains at 0% containment.

Three people have been injured, although authorities have not specified the severity of the injuries. Adverse weather conditions, with thunderstorms and extremely dry vegetation, continue to challenge emergency crews.

Mass evacuations in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County, securing additional resources to fight the fires. Several agencies, including Cal Fire and the Red Cross, have set up shelters for evacuees.

Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders for about 4,800 homes in the mountainous areas of Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, while hundreds of people have been evacuated in Highland. The fire threatens more than 35,000 structures, including homes and commercial buildings. Despite the magnitude of the fire, firefighters have managed to save some properties.

Fire creates its own weather

One of the most alarming aspects of the Line Fire is that it has generated its own weather system, creating pyrocumulus clouds, which produce erratic winds that further fan the flames. If temperatures are high enough, these clouds can generate thunderstorms with lightning, increasing the risk of new fires.

Emergency in Nevada

In Nevada, the Davis Fire, fueled by intense winds, has consumed 3,300 acres south of Reno and destroyed at least six structures. Local authorities reported that the fire remains uncontrolled. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and more than 20,000 people have been evacuated. In addition, 6,000 residents are without power due to preemptive outages.

Extreme heat and poor air quality

Southern California and other western areas also are facing a heat wave with temperatures ranging between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, exacerbating the emergency. In addition, authorities have issued alerts for poor air quality due to smoke billowing across the region.