The Caldor fire is spreading rapidly through northern California, prompting mandatory evacuations for residents in El Dorado County, which is home to more than 190,000 residents. According to CalFire, the fire started Saturday near Omo Ranch Village and covered more than 30,000 acres with zero control.
The fire is now the second largest wildfire to burn in California, after growing more than 23,500 acres on Tuesday. According to CalFire, the cause of the fire is still being investigated, but officials estimate that the fire will be brought under control by August 21.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for El Dorado County on Tuesday afternoon.
Fire officials say the fire is so unpredictable that it cannot be determined how many structures have been destroyed. Residents near Barney Ridge, Leonie Meadows, Grizzly Flats and Happy Valley have been ordered to evacuate as the Caldor fire continues to spread.
About 100 miles away, firefighters are still battling the Dixie Fire, the nation's largest wildfire and the second largest in California history. According to CalFire, the fire, which has been active for 34 days, has burned about 605,000 acres and is 30% contained.
On Tuesday morning, officials were forced to cancel plans to allow evacuated residents to return to their homes as heavy winds and an increase in Dixie fire activity engulfed Chester, Lake Almanor West and Prattville. was made unsafe.
"In this environment, any type of wind, in any direction - especially the way the fire is headed - is a concern for everyone," information officer Jim Evans told a news conference.
According to CalFire, the Dixie Fire has destroyed 1,100 buildings and 625 homes, threatening more than 14,000 people. Officials have said the fire will be completely brought under control by October, but they are in the process of announcing a new containment date because dangerous weather has allowed the fire to spread.