OakFire destroys at least 55 structures as it burns 18,087 acres near Yosemite National Park
The Oak Fire has burned through 18,087 acres and destroyed at least 55 structures since it ignited near Yosemite National Park Friday, as fire crews battle overwhelmingly dry conditions and steep terrain, officials say.
Nearly 3,000 personnel are tackling the fire, deploying air and land efforts including two dozen helicopters, 302 fire engines and 82 bulldozers, according to Cal Fire's Monday night update. There have been 23 wildfires in California so far this month, according to Cal Fire, but only three have exceeded 500 acres. None have come close to the mass destruction of the Oak Fire, due in part to the exceedingly dry conditions in the area, Wade said.
"The reality is, it's moving so quickly, it's not giving people a lot of time and they are sometimes just going to have to evacuate with the shirts on their back," Heggie said. Southern California fire officials have been expecting this summer to bring an especially challenging fire season due to the increased frequency of wildfires and the dry, hot conditions in much of the state.
California is among the western states that have been suffering under a prolonged megadrought that has been heavily exacerbated by the climate crisis.
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