A passenger onboard a flight above California took a frightening video of thick black clouds due to the wildfires burning thousands of feet below.
One Twitter user named Gabriela captured her plane ride into the LAX airport on Sunday. Thick clouds of smoke blocked the line of sight for many onboard passengers as the California wildfires continue to devastate the Golden State.
Passengers onboard flights from Fresno to Salt Lake City also witnessed the scene, saying they smelled smoke in the cabin from the wildfires.
Wildfires Across California
Since August 15, firefighters in California have been battling more than 900 wildfires. These fires have started due to record-breaking temperatures in the area and high numbers of lightning strikes. The weather has reached 121 degrees during this heatwave in San Fernando Valley and 111 degrees in downtown LA.
As of yesterday, Cal Fire reports more than 14,800 firefighters are continuing to battle 23 significant fires.
The fires have already burned more than 1.5 million acres, destroyed around 3,300 buildings, and killed eight people.
Officials said the fires in the state were 91 percent contained as of yesterday. However, another fire started in El Dorado on Saturday. The fire in El Dorado has destroyed more than 7,000 acres and is only five percent contained.
The blaze in El Dorado started from a gender reveal smoke device that set the dry grass ablaze. In addition, around 527 firefighters from ten fire crews are trying to stop the fire’s advancement.
In a press release, the department said, “CAL FIRE reminds the public that with the dry conditions and critical fire weather, it doesn’t take much to start a wildfire. Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially responsible and criminally responsible.”
Over 99 percent of California’s population is under an Excessive Heat Warning or Heat Advisory at this time.
[H/T Daily Mail]
