A rescue team is currently working to save 13 hikers who are trapped in an area affected by wildfires near Tahoe National Forest in Northern California’s Placer County.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office started the search after discovering the group’s vehicles in the vicinity of the Royal Fire, which began around 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Early Monday morning, a helicopter crew found the hikers and began coordinating their rescue.
“Rescue teams will be sent in to guide them out,” stated the sheriff’s office.
According to Elise Sovier from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, the hikers, aged 16 to 20, were on a familiar trail when the fire cut off their route, making them attempt an alternative path.
No immediate injuries were reported among the hikers.
The Royal Fire has burned 169 acres and is currently not contained, as reported by Cal Fire.
Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County
Meanwhile, the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County, near Los Padres National Forest, has expanded to over 7,000 acres and is 8% contained.
This fire, the largest of the current wildfire season, is one of 19 active fires across California.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department issued evacuation orders as the fire grew, impacting areas such as the famed former ranch of Michael Jackson.
Warnings have been given to nearby residents to be ready to evacuate.
High temperatures and dry conditions have made containment efforts more challenging.
“An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING continues, exacerbating fire conditions with high temperatures and little nighttime relief,” CAL FIRE mentioned.
North Fire
In another part of Northern California, the North Fire, located west of Mt. Shasta, quickly grew to 4,380 acres overnight.
The Modoc County Sheriff has issued mandatory evacuation orders for the communities in its path.
Shelly Fire
The Shelly Fire in Siskiyou County, near the Oregon border, has burned 3,880 acres since it started in the Klamath National Forest.
Mandatory evacuation orders are in place, and residents nearby have been advised to be prepared to flee.
Thompson Fire in Oroville
Firefighters have nearly contained the Thompson Fire in Butte County, which caused 30,000 evacuations and destroyed 25 structures. It is now 98% contained.
Firefighters faced extreme temperatures up to 116 degrees over the weekend while battling the fire.
Basin Fire in San Joaquin Valley
The Basin Fire, burning near Fresno, has burned 14,027 acres. It’s currently 60% contained but is proving difficult to control due to extreme heat conditions.
Efforts to determine the cause of the fire are ongoing.
French Fire near Yosemite National Park
The French Fire in Mariposa County near Yosemite National Park has burned 908 acres and is 60% contained. Three firefighters have been injured.
McCain Fire in San Diego County
The McCain Fire, which began on July 1 in San Diego County, is 95% contained after burning 1,595 acres.
