A fast-growing wildfire in Northern California has rapidly intensified, transforming from a relatively small blaze into the state’s largest wildfire so far this year.
The Biscar Fire in Lassen County had burned about 4,000 acres after it was first reported Saturday. Since then, it has surged past 30,000 acres, forcing widespread evacuations across more than 300 square miles of the county.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Biscar Fire was reported around noon Saturday near Snowstorm Road and Vincent Canyon, roughly 24 miles northeast of Susanville. Evacuation orders were issued within the first six hours as the fire began spreading quickly.
By Sunday evening, the wildfire had expanded to 46 square miles and was just 5% contained, Cal Fire reported. Officials said the cause remains under investigation.
The California Department of Transportation said Highway 395 has been shut down in the area near the fire.
Before the Biscar Fire’s rapid expansion, California’s largest wildfire of the year was the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Santa Barbara County, which burned 18,379 acres in May.
Residents seeking the latest information on the fire, road closures and evacuation orders can visit Cal Fire’s website. The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is also posting updates on its Facebook page.
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