iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — A wildfire on California’s northern coast is gaining ground one week after it started, threatening an expanding number of homes and businesses. The blaze has destroyed 41 homes, seven of them in the last day, as it approaches 30,000 acres in size, with only 15 percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.
About 2,000 structures surrounding the wildfire are in danger, according to authorities, and the fire has also damaged power lines and interrupted electrical service. Several hundred people in nearby communities have left the area under mandatory evacuation orders.
#SoberanesFire [update] near Big Sur (Monterey County) is now 29,877 acres & 15% contained. https://t.co/FJ5RytUlty pic.twitter.com/vGsJLEf1C3
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 29, 2016
The fire continues to grow despite the efforts of more than 4,000 firefighting personnel who have been mobilized to the area, in addition to 392 fire enginess, 14 helicopters, 67 bulldozers and six air tankers, according to Cal Fire.
Our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Robert Reagan who was fatally injured while on the #SoberanesFire. pic.twitter.com/F3SfmE9Eqf
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 28, 2016
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