Wildfires

New Wildfire in California, USA

An out-of-control wildfire growing with great speed in the Southern California mountains Wednesday night burned homes, forced the evacuation of several mountain communities and left three people injured, including two firefighters.

The fire broke out about 2 p.m. near Banning and surged to at least 6,000 acres, or more than 9 square miles, within a few hours. Fire officials said about a dozen structures were damaged or destroyed, but could not say how many were homes.

Wildfires Continue Burning in Idaho

As wildfires die out in south-central Idaho, flames that have been burning since early July continue to consume the state’s forests.

The largest wildfire burning in Idaho is more than 20,300-acre Lodgepole Fire. First sparked on July 20, the fire is burning ten miles west of Challis with only 40 percent of it contained. Firefighters believe lightning caused the fire.

Nearby, the Papoose Fire is up to 9,400 acres since it first started burning on July 8. The fire’s growth has slowed down and is now creeping through grass and brush. Hikes and boaters are encouraged to contact Salmon-Challis Forest personnel for information on trail closures.

In the Payette National Forest, the Thunder City Fire has grown to 1,500 acres. With just 15 percent contained, firefighters are battling against dry conditions as flames climb groups of trees throughout the forest.

The lightning-caused Gold Pan Fire, sparked on July 16, continues to grow inside the Frank Church — River of No Return Wilderness. The fire is now more than 16,300 acres.