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Kincade Fire explodes to 4 047 ha (10 000 acres), mandatory evacuations ordered, California

ByJulie Celestial
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Image credit: KTVU/YouTube

A fast-moving wildfire has exploded in rural Sonoma County late Wednesday (LT), October 23, 2019. The so-called Kincade Fire further intensified by 113 km/h (70 mph) winds, consuming around 4 047 hectares (10 000 acres) by October 24 and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes their Geyserville in Northern California.

The fire is raging out of control with zero containment as firefighters struggle to put out the flames in Red Flag Warning weather conditions with strong winds and dry levels of humidity.

California Fire spokesman Scott McLean pointed out the difficult conditions firemen had to face as they combat the blaze. "The wind is definitely pushing the fire. The area has a lot of brush and indefensible terrain. It's hard to fight," McLean expressed.

"It’s dark right now so we don’t have any eyes in the sky. They [the firemen] definitely have a fight on their hands."

Sonoma County Sherriff Sgt. Juan Valencia said strong winds and fire direction would increase the chances of further evacuations.

The fire was first reported at around 22:30 LT, October 23 on the Sonoma County and Lake County line, where raging wind gusts are sweeping the area. Violent winds are part of the factors that triggered Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to shut off electricity in the North Bay as a safety measure.

Officials said evacuation notices have been issued to communities east of Geyserville.

Over 200 had been forced to flee their homes, while another 1 700 are preparing to be displaced. The mandatory evacuation order includes all roads east of Highway 128 to Geyserville, Pine Flat Road, Red Winery Road, Alexander Mountain Road, and all roads off of River Road.

Sonoma County deputies went door-to-door to urge residents to evacuate.

"At one point during the night, I heard on the radio firefighters and law enforcement getting together to get people out of their homes, out of harm's way," said McLean.

"I did hear of incidents where somebody stated they simply were not going to leave. This is not a game."

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