Sharjah24 – AFP: A wildfire that erupted outside California's state capital just a few days ago had exploded to cover 54,000 acres by Wednesday, an eight-fold increase in 24 hours.
At least two people had to be airlifted to hospital as the Caldor Fire tore through a small town around 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Sacramento.
Thousands of people have been told to seek safety, with the blaze raging uncontrolled through the Eldorado National Forest.
In a stunning demonstration of the way these blazes transform, the Caldor Fire, which began on Saturday, grew from around 6,500 acres on Tuesday morning, fanned by strong winds and huge reserves of tinder-dry fuel.
The Caldor Fire is one of scores raging across the desiccated western United States, as man-made climate change alters weather patterns and brings chronic drought to the region.
On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders for parts of the town of Lower Lake, including two schools and a mobile home park, after a new blaze erupted there.
"If you're in Lower Lake, you should probably get out of here," Sheriff Brian Martin said in a Facebook video.
"We've got some pretty sticky situations going on. This is a very, very serious event."
For an optimal experience, please
