California Statewide Fire Summary Friday, August 23, 2013
Nearly 8,000 firefighters remain on the frontlines as nearly a dozen major wildfires
continue to burn. Yesterday, CAL FIRE crews contained the Swedes Fire that burned in Butte County, just as a new fire ignited on the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Installation.
CAL FIRE and the US Forest Service are in unified command of the extremely fast
moving Rim Fire burning just outside Yosemite National Park. The fire is threatened 4,500 homes and has forced thousands to evacuate.
Most of this week’s thunderstorms have moved out of California and little threat of dry lightning remains. All Red Flag Warnings for dry lightning have expired. While both CAL FIRE and local firefighters continue to be very active in fighting the State’ wildfires, a
majority of the fires are burning on National Forest land.
The current high level of fire activity is a good reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires. CAL FIRE urges all Californians and visitors the state to be extra cautious outdoors with any open flame or item that could spark a fire.