FRESNO, Calif., Sept. 8 (UPI) — Firefighters issued mandatory evacuation orders for Fresno County late Monday as California’s largest wildfire, located in the Sierra Nevada, grew to nearly 100,000 acres.
The so-called Rough fire, burning east of Fresno, has spread to 95,183 acres, or nearly 149 square miles. As of late Monday, 1,940 crew were working to get it under control. It is 31 percent contained.
One firefighter, who was not identified, was burned while battling the blaze early Monday. He was taken to a local hospital where he was in stable condition
In the span of just a few hours, the blaze grew some 10,000 acres. Sunday, it was 86,000 acres, and by Monday, the U.S. Forest Service reported it was more than 95,000 acres. The campgrounds at Kings Canyon National Park were closed.
With the mandatory evacuation order, residents were urged to leave their homes as the blaze approached. Residents who leave their homes, return and then refuse to leave again could face a misdemeanor, officials said. Those who choose to stay will not face any charges.
“This is a fluid situation and there is no time table for when these mandatory evacuations will be lifted,” the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office told residents.
The Rough fire started July 31 from a lightning strike. In the past weeks, low humidity, unpredictable winds and high temperatures have helped fan the flames.The cost of battling the blaze has exceeded $67 million.
