MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. – The Oak Fire burning near Yosemite National Park in California continues to grow in size, but thanks to a relentless attack by fire crews from the ground and air, its spread has been slowed. The Oak Fire has forced thousands of residents from their homes and flames have destroyed at least 55 structures. Fire officials say of those structures, about 25 are homes, HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV The latest on the Oak Fire burning in California. (FOX Weather) As of Tuesday afternoon the Oak Fire has so far burned 18,087 acres and is 26 percent contained. CAL FIRE says the fire continues to burn in a northeasterly direction. The Oak Fire started burning Friday afternoon near Midpines, and officials are still investigating the exact cause of the fire. CALIFORNIA COMPANY USES ANIMALS TO REDUCE FIRE HAZARDS Gordon said nearly 3,000 firefighters are working to contain the Oak Fire, and that includes 302 fire trucks, 82 bulldozers and 24 helicopters. CAL FIRE said 300,000 gallons of water have been dumped on the fire, which has helped crews slow the fire’s spread. FOX Weather Correspondent Max Gorden said because this is the largest wildfire burning in the state, it’s getting a lot of attention. “This is the number one priority in California. So we have the full force of all the resources of California and the resources of the region,” CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Jon Heggie told FOX Weather. “So we have all the engine, all the hand crews, all the aircraft that we need. It’s nice. In years past, we’ve had wildfires up and down the state. And that competition for resources is a challenge.” HOW LAND’S LOCATION AFFECTS WILDFIRES BEHAVIOR Timelapse of the growing Oak Fire in California While thousands of residents are still evacuated, some evacuation orders have been limited to fire advisories. However, officials said the closure remains in effect in the Sierra National Forest. “This closure will support public safety by keeping members of the public away from dangerous burn areas and allow firefighting efforts to fight the fire without public intervention,” CAL FIRE said in a news release. HOW FIRE SCARS CAN HAVE PERMANENT EFFECTS
Fire smoke is moving into surrounding states
Hazy skies are possible in parts of Northern California due to smoke in the area from the Oak Fire. Smoke is also leading to poor air quality conditions in the Sierra Nevada, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Smoke from the Oak Fire is traveling hundreds of miles, as far north as south of Portland, Oregon, and as far east as Winnemucca, Nevada. Smoke will continue to push north into Oregon and parts of Idaho. AIR QUALITY INDEX EXPLAINED The wildfire is already the largest of the year in the Golden State. Typically, July through October are the state’s busiest months for wildfires. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX WEATHER UPDATE PODCAST Be sure to download it FOX Weather app to monitor temperatures in your area. The free live streaming of FOX Weather it’s also available 24/7 on the website and app and your favorite streaming platform. The The FOX Weather Update podcast it also provides weather information for the entire country.
