Get the Latest Update on the California Fires From These Google Maps
Get the Latest Update on the California Fires From These Google Maps
31 July 2018
Published by http://fortune.com/
USA – California fires are ablaze again this summer, destroying homes and businesses, causing the deaths of at least at least six people, and displacing thousands. With the worst blazes raging across Northern California near Redding with more smaller fires burning across Southern California, the 2018 California wildfires are difficult to keep track of. Thankfully, Google Maps has released its 2018 California fire map that lists updates on the various blazes, as well as a Google Crisis Map with information about air quality, evacuation orders, shelters, fire containment statistics, road closures, and more.
Google’s 2018 Statewide Fire Map for California lists all the active fires in the state for which California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is responding. The continuously updated map is a good way for people not in the midst of the smoke to get a better understanding of the challenges currently facing the Golden State.
In addition to maps of California fires currently burning, here are some statistics and information on major current California wildfires.
Carr Fire
The Carr Fire is one of the worst fires in California’s history. The Carr Fire has so far torched nearly 110,000 acres near the Northern California city of Redding, destroying more than 800 homes, and claiming the lives of at least six people, including two firefighters, so far. More than 38,000 people have evacuated the area.
The rapidly spreading wildfire began Thursday in the foothills of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and spread down toward Redding and surrounding neighborhoods and roadways including Interstate 5.
The Carr Fire continues to rage, though as of Tuesday it is now 24% contained, which refers to how much of a control line has been constructed around a fire to keep it from jumping major roadways and igniting new areas of land. A control line is also referred to as a fire trail, an actual line dug in soil to prevent a fire from burning more brush.
The Carr Fire has stayed in the news not just because of its ferocity and “wall of flame,” as Cal Fire Deputy Chief Scott McLean called it when speaking with NBC News. Video of a so-called firenado from the Carr Fire has gone viral, showing a frightening tornado-like fire vortex that results from a massive wind updraft combined with the heat of a major blaze.
River and Ranch Fires (Mendocino Complex)
Burning across Mendocino and Lake Counties, these two Northern California wildfires started on Friday, located within 14 miles of one another. The Ranch Fire was at over 47,000 acres and 10% contained as of Tuesday morning. And the River Fire has already burned more than 27,000 acres and is 8% contained. With still so little containment, both fires remain unchecked, according to updates from Santa Rosa, Calif. newspaper The Press Democrat.
Ferguson Fire
The Ferguson Fire, located in the foothills west of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest, has consumed over 57,000 acres and is 33% contained as of Tuesday. It has claimed the lives of at least eight people so far, including two firefighters.
Whaleback Fire
The Whaleback Fire is burning east of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest near towns including Susanville. This Northern California wildfire, cause still unknown, began on Friday and has burned more than 16,000 acres. As of Tuesday, the Whaleback Fire was 32% contained.
With summer winds fanning the flames of the California fires, causing some blazes to grow and others to merge, these two dynamic maps are worth bookmarking, so you can stay up to date with the latest updates from affected areas in Northern California as well as Southern California.
Fortune will continue to update this post as California’s 2018 summer fires continue to rage.
