In California, a wildfire that started four days ago west of Santa Barbara is now 45 percent contained but is still threatening about 270 homes and ranches. KROCam.com is reporting campgrounds have been evacuated as the fire inched closer to densely populated coastal communities only two miles away.
“Sundowner” winds of 30 to 40 mph failed to materialize Saturday evening, giving firefighters a window of time in containing the 4,000-acre fire somewhat, but forecasters are warning of extreme temperatures and winds gusting up to 50 mph tonight.
Dangerous 3ZmPXuCqWJ
— NWS (@NWS) June 19, 2016
New Mexico wildfire
In New Mexico, The Guardian is reporting Governor Susana Martinez has called up the national Guard to assist in securing communities affected by the huge wildfire in the central part of the state. National Guardsmen will be patrolling and protecting evacuated homes from possible looting. The Guard will also assist in the event of flooding in the region.
The New Mexico wildfire, in the Manzano Mountains south of Albuquerque, has now burned over 27 square miles about 6 miles northwest of Tajique since it started on Tuesday. Damages attributed to this fire include 24 homes and as many structures near the small community of Chilili. This wildfire is only 9.0 percent contained.
Praying for all evacuated by SenJohnMcCain) June 16, 2016
Arizona wildfire
In Arizona, a wildfire southwest of Show Low is now 30 percent contained. It has burned 19 square miles since Wednesday. Firefighters are also having to contend with the sweltering heat as temperatures today are expected to rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Evacuation orders are still in effect for the community of Forestdale.
On Saturday in Phoenix, the temperature topped out at 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Arizona Department of Health Director Dr. Cara Christ has issued a warning to residents of the state to watch for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The state government and many industries are already preparing for the worst. The extreme heat is expected to last through Wednesday.
Utah has three wildfires
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Saddle Fire grew to 209 acres in the Pine Valley Wilderness of Dixie National Forest on Saturday and is one blaze firefighters have not been able to contain. About 20 homes remain under threat from the fire but no evacuations have been ordered as of Saturday night.
Utah’s Forestry Service had to suspend aerial operations over the Aspen and Pine Canyon fire because of drones in the area. It has posted a warning on its Twitter page urging drone fliers to stop because they are unable to do their job.
If YOU fly, we CAN’T! Please, do not interfere with wildland fire fighting operations. 64BszlobBu
— Forest Service-Dixie (@usfsdnf) June 19, 2016
“We understand the concern from the residents of central Utah and Pine Valley because there is a lot of smoke and the fire is visible, particularly at night,” said Chris Henrie, the Saddle Fire incident commander, in a news release. “Firefighters are improving the fire breaks around Pine Valley and are preparing for the fire to get to an area that will allow us to attack it.”
Two other lightening-sparked wildfires in southern Utah are partially contained. By Saturday evening, the 355-acre Aspen Fire had 50 percent containment and less than one mile away, the Pine Canyon fire was burning steadily at 109-acres with 76 percent containment.
