The horrid California Dixie Fire continued to grow overnight, making it the second-largest fire in the state’s history. Authorities reported on Sunday that thousands of people are fleeing as the flames advance.
The Dixie blaze is the largest active fire in California, but only one of the 11 major wildfires in California.
As of early Sunday, around 463,477 acres (187,562 hectares) have been destroyed. The fire now covers an area larger than Los Angeles and roughly the size of the Hawaiian island of Maui.
On Saturday, the Plumas County sheriff’s office said it had received descriptions of five people considered missing in Greenville and was searching for them.
Five other missing people were confirmed found on Saturday.
The CalFire website reported that three firefighters had been injured due to the fire. The fire is reported to be 21% in control.
Crews estimate the fire, which began on July 13, will not finally be extinguished before August 20.
Climate change experts claim that droughts in the region are leaving the area parched, giving fuel to these fires.
In a tweet, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders says that the Republican party continues to deny the adverse effects of climate change despite abundant evidence.
Thousands of residents have fled the area and found temporary housing, even living in tents, unsure of whether their homes have survived or not.
The fire has destroyed around 404 structures, burning through the historic town of Greenville. More than 5,000 personnel are now battling the fire.
