Central Valley firefighters help battle wildfires burning across California
Local crews were deployed to help with the River Fire and Lake Fire.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Central Valley firefighters are responding to help battle several wildfires burning across California.
Local fire crews from Hanford Fire and a Kings County strike team were deployed to fight the River Fire burning south of Salinas.
The wildfire has charred more than 4,500 acres and is 7% contained. Five-thousand people have evacuated from their homes in Monterey County.
Investigators believe a lightning strike sparked the blaze. Officials say four firefighters have suffered heat-related injuries.
RELATED: Evacuations ordered as Northern California wildfire explodes overnight
CAL FIRE crews are hopeful they'll have the River Fire contained by the end of the month.
Meanwhile, Hanford firefighters and Fresno County fire teams were also sent to help with the Lake Fire in Southern California.
The Fresno County strike team has been assisting with the firefight in the Angeles National Forest since Friday.
On Wednesday morning, about 26 local firefighters were working to construct a fire line while battling the flames with a direct fire attack.
RELATED: California Gov. Newsom declares state of emergency due to fires
So far, the Lake Fire has burned more than 22,000 acres and is 38% contained.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Tuesday night to ensure resources were available for all crews battling the fires.
