Thousands ordered to flee as Oak Fire in California expands

Evacuation orders were mandated for more than 6,000 people living in the rural area, Daniel Patterson, a spokesman for the Sierra National Forest, told the AP.

The fire began at 2:10 p.m. PDT near the town of Midpines, SFGate.com reported. Firefighters had been making progress against an earlier blaze that burned near the national park’s southern areas when the new fire erupted, according to the AP.

At least 10 structures have been destroyed and five have been damaged in the fire, KCRA-TV reported. Another 2,000 structures are threatened.

“Explosive fire behavior is challenging firefighters,” Cal Fire said in an 8 a.m. PDT report.

Natasha Fouts, a spokeswoman for CalFire, told The New York Times that the Oak Fire was the fastest-growing blaze of the season so far. It surpassed the speed of the Washburn that continues to burn in Yosemite National Park.

At least 383 firefighters have been deployed, KFSN-TV reported. Containment remains at 0%, according to fire officials.

“Fire activity is extreme with frequent runs and group torching,” Cal Fire provided in its situation summary later Saturday, according to the Sun-Star. “Vegetation is very receptive to new spot fires due to the hot, dry weather and drought.

“Heavy fuels, strong winds and low humidity are also influencing fire behavior.”

The firefighters were assisted by helicopters, other aircraft and bulldozers in the sparsely populated area located near the Sierra Nevada foothills, Patterson told the AP.

Fire officials said it could be a week before the Oak Fire is fully contained, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“The fire is moving quickly. This fire was throwing embers out in front of itself for up to 2 miles yesterday,” Patterson told the AP. “These are exceptional fire conditions.”