Oak Fire Near Yosemite National Park Forces Evacuations in California

An oak fire is completely taking over California near Yosemite National Park and forcing residents to try to evacuate away from the flames. California Fire Battalion Chief Jon Heggie said it’s hard to even evacuate people from the fire due to the speed it’s moving. Many people are being forced to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The fire has already encapsulated over 16,700 acres and destroyed over 7 building structures.

The fire started on Friday near the Sierra Nevada, and has caused over 3,000 people to evacuate within a day. There are currently over 2,500 people fighting this fire using resources from all over the state. Personnel have brought over 12 helicopters, 281 fire engines, and 46 water tenders, and the fire is still only 10% contained.