A second firefighter has been killed while fighting the explosive Carr Fire located in northern California near Redding.
The Carr Fire was initially reported on Monday, and was burning slowly until exploding Wednesday night Cal Fire said. So far, the wildfire has burned nearly 45,000 acres and is only 3 percent contained Friday morning. Incident Commander Chief Brett Gouva says the fire has also claimed the life of a bulldozer operator.
"The operator was working on an active section of the Carr Fire. We're in the process of notifying next of kin, the fire community is extremely heartbroken for this loss," Gouvea said.
Cal Fire says at least 65 structures have been destroyed and another 55 have been damaged. At least 5,000 structures are still being threatened by the Carr Fire as wind push the wildfire toward Redding, a community of 92,000.
Officials are urging people in the area to take the fire risk seriously.
"We ask everyone to heed evacuation orders and leave promptly. This fire is extremely dangerous and moving with no regard for what's in it's path," said Gouvea.
With multiple wildfires burning across the state, Governor Jerry Brown has declared states of emergency in Shasta County, where the Carr Fire is currently burning, as well in Riverside County where more than 1,000 firefighters are battling the Cranston Fire, which has already burned more than 11,000 acres and is only 3 percent contained. The order gives the go-ahead for the state to provide resources to help battle the fires.
Authorities believe the blaze was intentionally set and arrested a suspect who is in custody. Nearly 5,000 structures are threatened by the Cranston Fire, which began around 11:41 a.m. Wednesday.
The arson suspect, identified as 32-year-old Brandon N. McGlover of Temecula, was arrested shortly after the fire was reported near the scene. Officials say McGlover is suspected of setting multiple fires in Riverside County, including the Cranston Fire.
Two firefighters have been injured by the Cranston Fire, but no details on their condition or how they were injured have been released.
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