In Pics | California's Dixie Fire explodes to 'megafire'
California's huge Dixie Fire exploded to "megafire" status late Thursday, forcing more mandatory evacuations in nearby communities.
Firefighters work the scene as a home is engulfed in flames during the Dixie fire in Greenville, California on August 4, 2021.
Firefighters work the scene as a home is engulfed in flames during the Dixie fire in Greenville, California on August 4, 2021.
(Photograph:AFP)
Buildings burn as the Dixie fire tears through downtown Greenville.
Buildings burn as the Dixie fire tears through downtown Greenville.
(Photograph:AFP)
The Dixie fire burned through dozens of homes and businesses in downtown Greenville and continues to forge towards other residential communities.
The Dixie fire burned through dozens of homes and businesses in downtown Greenville and continues to forge towards other residential communities.
(Photograph:AFP)
Battalion Chief Sergio Mora looks on as the Dixie fire burns through downtown Greenville, California on August 4, 2021.
Battalion Chief Sergio Mora looks on as the Dixie fire burns through downtown Greenville, California on August 4, 2021.
(Photograph:AFP)
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In this long exposure photograph, trees smolder and burn during the Dixie fire near Greenville, California on August 3, 2021.
In this long exposure photograph, trees smolder and burn during the Dixie fire near Greenville, California on August 3, 2021.
(Photograph:AFP)
The Dixie fire has burned more than 250,000 acres and continues to get closer to residential communities.
The Dixie fire has burned more than 250,000 acres and continues to get closer to residential communities. The 2017 Thomas Fire is now only the seventh worst by area destroyed -- and is likely to be overtaken soon by the Dixie Fire raging through the state's northern forests, as climate change makes wildfire season longer and hotter.