Record Heat, Drought and Santa Ana Winds Spark California Wildfires

A combustible combination of record heat, intense drought and powerful and desiccating Santa Ana winds has helped fuel several wildfires in California. On Wednesday, fire crews battled a rapidly spreading 100-acre wildfire in Carlsbad, California, about 35 miles north of San Diego. At 1 p.m. PT, conditions in Carlsbad were ideal for supporting a growing fire, with wind gusts near 30 miles per hour, a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and just 3% humidity

According to NBC 4 News in Los Angeles, the AlertSanDiego system called at least 11,600 homes, businesses and cell phones to instruct people to evacuate. The fire began at 10:40 a.m. P.T. "and moved quickly," according to NBC 4. The network is reporting at least five major fires burning in San Diego County, with at least two homes on fire in Carlsbad, California. Read more...