Statewide Emergency Declared as Wildfires Rage in California

What's Happening:

• Evacuation orders were issued for 1000's of residents in Northern California as dozens of wildfires burn across the state towards populated areas.

• A several days long heat wave (reaching triple digit temperatures), dry conditions and lightning storms rolling in from the Ocean have fueled the wildfires.

• California Governor Newsom declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday to help ensure the availability of vital resources to combat fires.

• The wildfires have already burned over 50,000 acres across seven counties in Northern California.

• Fire officials warned that the “extreme fire behavior” and strong winds are challenging for firefighters. Will Powers, a spokesperson for Cal Fire told the AP "We are stretched thin for crews...Air resources have been stretched thin throughout the whole state.”

• Colorado is also facing multiple wildfires - the state's Pine Gulch Fire grew to 125,000+ acres overnight making it the second largest fire in Colorado history.

Photo Credit: Skeeze