The massive Dixie Fire is now the second largest fire in state history.
The blaze is currently 21% contained, according to CalFire. In total acreage burned, the Dixie Fire has surpassed 2018's Mendocino Complex fire (459,123 acres) and last year's SCU Lightning Complex fire (396,624 acres) according to CalFire. With over 1 million acres burned in 2020, the August Complex Fire is the only recorded wildfire in California to have consumed more land than the Dixie Fire. Reports show the Dixie Fire had been burning in mostly remote areas, but the situation changed Wednesday as winds quickly sent flames toward communities near Lake Almanor, a popular vacation spot surrounded by small towns.
Meanwhile, the River Fire is 62% contained. The River Fire started on Wednesday near the Bear River Campground and quickly spread toward Colfax, prompting evacuations for the Northern California town. The Chicago Park neighborhood west of Colfax was devastated by the fire, with several homes and vehicles destroyed, according to The Sacramento Bee.