It became the second largest fire in California history on Sunday and it is not over yet.

The gigantic "Dixie Fire" should indeed last for at least another ten days.

Stifling temperatures above 38 degrees are expected again mid-week, so firefighters believe the blaze will not be extinguished until August 20.

According to the latest report published by the California fire department shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday (midnight in Paris), the blaze had reduced to ashes just over 187,000 hectares since its departure on July 13 in the north of this state. It was limited to only 21%. In particular, the town of Greenville was totally devastated a few days ago and three people are still missing.

California Governor Gavin Newsom walked the ruins of Greenville on Saturday, expressing "deep appreciation" for the tireless work of the firefighters.

He said the authorities should devote more resources to forest management and fire prevention.

But "the droughts are much more severe, it is hotter than ever ... We must openly admit that these fires are caused by the climate," he added.

The blaze has only grown in size, fanned by a stifling heat, an alarming drought and persistent winds.

Eight of the ten biggest fires ever in California have burned since 2017. And even six since 2020, when the largest of all, "August Complex" occurred, with 417,000 hectares destroyed.

Thousands of refugees

Forest fires are common in California. But due to climate change, this summer is particularly violent and eleven fires were raging Sunday across the state. Thousands of residents have fled the area, many taking refuge in makeshift camps - sometimes simple tents, often not knowing if their homes have escaped the flames. Some 370 structures (houses and other buildings) have already been destroyed.

According to a preliminary investigation, the fall of a tree on one of the thousands of electric cables that streak the American landscape is at the origin of the blaze.

This power line is owned by Pacific Gas and Company (PG&E), a private operator already guilty of causing "Camp Fire", a blaze that nearly wiped the town of Paradise off the map and killed 86 people in 2018. , just a few kilometers away.

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