500 Buildings Have Been Destroyed As A Deadly Wildfire Tears Through A Northern California City

A ferocious wildfire tearing through tens of thousands of acres in Northern California has killed two people, injured several others, and destroyed hundreds of homes as it burned in and around the city of Redding.

Fueled by soaring temperatures and high winds, the Carr fire was sparked on Monday by a mechanical failure of a vehicle. By Friday evening, it had exploded to 48,312 acres and was just 5% contained.

A contracted bulldozer operator, who has not yet been named, and Redding fire inspector Jeremy Stoke were killed trying to contain the flames, officials said. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of both deaths.

The forecast for the next 7-10 days continued to show high temperatures and low humidity, which would mean challenging conditions for firefighters, CalFire Chief Ken Pimlott said. He urged residents to be ready to evacuate as the flames continued to move erratically in multiple directions.

"This fire is a long way from being done," he said.

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