Local authorities have reported that the Makeni fire is raging in the Klamath National Forest, west of Yreka. By midday (local time), the fire had already spread to 14,000-16,000 hectares of forest and other crops.
At least 500 families had to leave their homes, including Scott Barr, Klamath River and Horse Creek counties. Residents of part of Yreka have also been warned that they may also have to evacuate.
The fire broke out Friday afternoon south of the Klamath River, breaking temperature records. At a weather station in Montague, east of where the fire broke out, temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (over 37 degrees Celsius) were recorded for six consecutive days, peaking at 111 degrees (about 44 degrees Celsius) on Friday. The previous temperature record, which has been in effect since late June last year, was 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
The fire was ignited by strong winds from thunderstorms that swept the region from Friday to Saturday night. The intense heat resulted in a temperature rise of at least 10 km. This type of cloud, which develops above a heat source, can cause lightning and powerful storms, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation.
Watch also: This is what the California wildfires look like from space
