Wildfires Burn Over Two Million Acres in California, Hundreds of Campers Rescued From Danger Zone

Mark Martin
09-07-2020

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More than two million acres have burned so far this year in California – a record.

Wildfires continue to rage across the state, and officials issued a new state of emergency in five counties.

Authorities say over 12,000 firefighters are battling more than 20 major fires in California.

Officials warn conditions could get even worse due to record-breaking heat. Los Angeles County on Sunday hit 121 degrees.

Adding to that were high winds in many areas, which forecasters say could make the fight more difficult.

There's a new state of emergency in Southern California after a wildfire swept across more than 70,000 acres in just days. In some locations, the smoke was so thick that it blocked the midday sun while ash-covered parts of California like blankets of snow.

The so-called "Creek Fire" devoured entire neighborhoods, making streets unrecognizable.

"The fire completely engulfed everything," said one resident.

Over the weekend, hundreds of people tried to escape a popular campsite in the Sierra National Forest as flames surrounded them. Some headed into the water to stay away from the fire.

"The fire just moved so fast, so there was only so much we could do," said a camper.

The National Guard airlifted more than 200 people out of the danger zone and ambulances transported some of them to safety.

Another fire, the "El Dorado Fire," spread to more than 7,000 acres in just hours. Officials report that one was started by fireworks from a gender reveal party.

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About The Author

Mark
Martin

Mark Martin currently serves as a reporter and anchor at CBN News, reporting on all kinds of issues, from military matters to alternative fuels. Mark has reported internationally in the Middle East. He traveled to Bahrain and covered stories on the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mark also anchors CBN News Midday on the CBN Newschannel and fills in on the anchor desk for CBN News' Newswatch and The 700 Club. Prior to CBN News, Mark worked at KFSM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Fort Smith, Arkansas. There he served as a weekend morning producer, before being promoted to general
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