California fires burn 771,000 acres, larger than state of Rhode Island, CAL FIRE says
Gov. Newsom and other emergency management officials will give an update on fire conditions and the CA state of emergency
CALISTOGA, Calif. -- Gov. Gavin Newsom and other emergency management officials are holding a press conference to give an update on the California wildfires.
CAL FIRE spokesperon Jeremy Rahn said more than 12,000 lightning strikes have sparked 560 wildfires in California over the past several days, most of which are contained.
CAL FIRE officials said since Aug. 15, 771,000 acres have burned. That's larger than the size of Rhode Island, they added.
INTERACTIVE MAP: Track wildfires across Central California and the state
Newsom recently declared a statewide emergency over the 367 fires burning in California, which opens the door for federal aid. The governor said the state has also reached out for aid from Canada and other states.
Fire Chief Chris Waters said at the moment, the Walbridge Fire in Sonoma County, part of the LNU Lightning Complex, is moving toward Guerneville.
In Western Sonoma County, the Myers Fire has stopped moving and crews are looking at containment soon, Waters said.
The Hennessey Fire has three branches. The southern branch in Yolo and Solano counties has slowed down quite a bit. Active spread on the west side has also been contained. The northern part, from Lake Hennessey to Highway 116, is the area of biggest concern Friday.
Some firefighters battling the LNU blaze have lost homes in the fires, said Gov. Newsom.
"When we talk about heroes, that's what we're talking about," he said.
This weekend's weather forecast is adding a layer of complication to the firefight, Newsom added, as "monsoon type weather conditions" could bring more lightning strikes to California.
Fire crews are stretched thin by the multiple fire; 96% of wildfire engines are committed throughout the state.
Newsom recently declared a statewide emergency over the 367 fires burning in California, which opens the door for federal aid. He said the state was working with the federal government to declare a federal disaster, which would help secure even more resources.
The three major complexes - LNU, SCU and CZU - burning in all but one Bay Area county have torched a collective 500,000 acres so far.
Other fires have also sparked in California, including the Hills Fire in Fresno County, which was caused by a lightning strike, and the Moc Fire near Mariposa County.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.
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