California: Catastrophic Wildfire Explodes in Size Makes Largest in US State's History

San Francisco: Catastrophic wildfires continue to ravage California, as one blaze nearly doubled in size over the last three days, making it the largest in the US state's history, according to authorities. No one has been injured in the Mendocino Complex Fire, which consists of two fires -- the Ranch Fire and the River Fire -- burning around Clear Lake, in several counties in Northern California, reports CNN. Combined, they form the biggest blaze that California firefighters are currently battling.

Altogether, the Mendocino Complex Fire has burned 283,800 acres -- growing about 80 percent since August 3. As of Monday evening, it was 30 percent contained and had destroyed 75 residences.

The Mendocino Complex Fire has now surpassed last year's Thomas Fire, which burned 281,893 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as the largest fire in Cal Fire history. Exhausted firefighters across the state are trying to contain 16 major fires that are burning in hot, dry and windy conditions. (IANS)