Apple Fire Forces Thousands To Evacuate In Southern California, As Fires Rage Around State

TOPLINE

Over 7,500 people have been evacuated because of the Apple Fire, which has burned over 20,000 acres in southern California while over a dozen wildfires burn statewide, with weather conditions threatening to worsen the blazes.

KEY FACTS

KEY BACKGROUND

There are 15 wildfires ongoing in California that are significant enough to be named, according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Five of those fires are in the southwestern part of the state, while the rest are scattered mainly in northern areas of California. 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Weather conditions look to remain hot and dry in Riverside County through at least Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service, when fog is expected in the area.

BIG NUMBER

1,360 firefighters are currently assigned to battle the Apple Fire. Three bulldozers and six helicopters are also being used to fight the blaze.

TANGENT

The geography and climate of much of California lends itself to the risk of wildfires, and the state has dealt with catastrophic fires in the past. Notably, the 2018 Camp Fire killed 85 residents and burned over 153,000 acres in Butte County, essentially wiping out the town of Paradise.