Wildfires Erupt Across California This Week

Multiple wildfires across the state have exploded this week, each fueled by dry brush and brutal heat. Bay Area firefighters recently predicted one of the "worst fire seasons ever," and Mother Nature seems to have taken that ominous prediction as a challenge.

Firefighters, strike teams and officials with the Red Cross have mobilized to attack fires and evacuate residents and animals from the fires burning as far south as San Diego and in the north near the Oregon border.

In San Diego County, the Border Fire, which broke out Sunday and is burning off the Pacific Coast Trail near Tecate in East County, grew to 7,500 acres by Monday, prompting hundreds to evacuate.

A brush fire near Morris Dam was started by a fatal car crash on Monday. The Reservoir Fire quickly grew to 1,500 acres and led to evacuations.

One firefighter was injured Monday in the Fish Fire above Duarte, which has now burned 3,000 acres and forced the evacuation of residents from Crystal Lake down to the fire and all campsites including Camp Williams.

Read more:

• Fish Fire Explodes to 3,000 Acres; One Firefighter Injured

The Sherpa Fire burning west of Goleta in Santa Barbara County, which started on June 15, is now 7,893 acres and is about 62 percent contained, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

In Amador County, the Camanche Fire, one of the smallest fires, is now 210 acres and about 95 percent contained as of Tuesday morning.

Calfire and officials with the the United States Forestry Service are battling the Pony Fire burning in the Klamath National Forest near the Oregon border. Fire officials say that fire, which was sparked by lightning, is about 60 percent contained after scorching 2,855 acres.

Burn permits have been suspended in 13 counties already this season, most in the Sierra and Southern California.

Calfire offers fire preparedness safety tips for all California residents:

• Have multiple evacuation routes planned
• Have a family communication plan, including an out-of-state contact
• Have an evacuation kit ready

Photo of Fish Fire courtesy LASD