WP: The U.S. is now at wildfire preparedness level 5 — the highest there is

[China]

Southern California fire mushrooms, residents evacuated

 

Los Angeles (AFP) - A fire burning out of control in Southern California has grown to a massive 20,000 acres, officials said Sunday, as residents in an area north of Los Angeles were forced to evacuate.

 

 

The blaze, which has been dubbed the "Sand Fire" after a nearby neighborhood, is only 10 percent contained, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

 

Local media reported that a burned body had been recovered in the city of Santa Clarita, located some 35 miles (55 kilometers) from downtown Los Angeles, although it was unclear if the individual had died in the blaze.

 

The fire has been burning in California's Santa Clarita Valley since Friday, but has now shifted to threaten more populated areas such as the Sand Canyon neighborhood of Santa Clarita, county fire officials said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

 

At least 1,500 homes are threatened, the Times reported.

 

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[PCS]

Yep. Saw this on the news and have watched a bunch of live feed of the fire since just after it started. Yesterday,I watched as a neighborhood had part of the fire bullseyeing it. 100 yards away I'd say. Fire trucks showed up and the fire crews dispersed and basically drew a line in the sand behind the homes in the form of water fire retardant foam.  Smoke right over the fire kept planes out of there but a convoy of helicopters hit the head with all kinds of water. Some of it mud. They flew into the smoke and fire,(NOT the most recommended of options),and essentially steered the fire away from the homes. Some really brave stuff there. 

 

Some amazing,(and somewhat terrifying),videos and pics coming out from all this. 

 

Nevada

 

 

 

Sand fire: 

 

 

 

 

Sabrones Fire North of Big Sur

 

 

 

 

Lot's of amazing stuff being burned up out in the West the past couple of years along with many homes and even a couple of towns. Very sad.  North Rim of the Grand Canyon taking hits too.