WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (BUS): Troops began crunching in California on Thursday as wildfires threatened communities, and an epic heatwave tightened the electrical grid, where moisture from a tropical storm is expected to bring thunderstorms and flooding along with cooling.
Firefighters struggled to control major wildfires in southern California and the Sierra Nevada that grew explosively, forced widespread evacuations and produced smoke that could interfere with solar energy production.
The Fairview fire in southern California covered about 37 square miles (95 square kilometers) of Riverside County and was only 5% contained, according to the Associated Press.
Two people were killed while fleeing the flames on Monday, and at least 11 buildings were destroyed. Officials said more than 18,000 homes were threatened by fires set by the shifting winds.
In the Sierra, a mosquito fire erupted out of control, igniting at least 11 square miles (28 square kilometers), which evacuated about 2,500 residents in Placer and El Dorado counties, while blanketing the area in smoke.
Flames jumped into the American River, burned structures in the mountain village of Vulcanoville and approached the town of Foresthill, home to about 1,500 people.
Fire Department spokesperson Chris Vestal described the fast-moving fire as “a severe and serious fire threat.”
The Nevada Department of Environmental Protection has warned the Reno area that air quality could be so unhealthy that it is dangerous due to smoke from a mosquito fire 100 miles (160 kilometers) away.
Another serious fire broke out in log cabins near the Big Bear Lake resort area in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. It was only 2% contained after burning approximately 2 square miles (5 square kilometers).
The wave of clouds and rain associated with Tropical Storm Cay off the Baja California peninsula in Mexico has caused temperatures to exceed southern California at times, but it has also been a potential problem for solar power generation. The storm level was lowered from the hurricane Thursday evening.
Despite Kai’s initial effects, meteorologists warn that the heat is not yet over.
The Los Angeles Bureau of Meteorology wrote: “The seemingly endless heatwave that has plagued California will finally end across at least Southern California, but not before another two days of sweltering heat and very warm nights.”
He noted that storm and wind conditions associated with the approach are likely to create a new set of risks for power shortages in Southern California.
Tropical Storm Kay is expected to reach northern Baja California on Friday, the National Weather Service said.
Despite the loss of hurricane strength, Kaye was expected to send a wave of moisture into Southern California. Strong winds, heavy rain and flash floods likely Friday evening through Saturday. Tropical storm warnings have been posted for sailors.
On the West Coast, forecasters expected strong, gusty winds and low humidity across western Oregon starting Friday and authorities warned of the danger of wildfires after the unusually hot and dry late summer.
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