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Photos: Huge ‘Fire Cloud’ Seen From Space Amidst Sierra National Forest Fires

California continues to reach record-breaking temperatures that aid in the dozens of wildfires plaguing the state. The fire has already scorched more than two million acres of land since August. 

The ‘Creek Fire’ is one of the newer wildfires in California, which started on Friday in the Sierra National Forest. The wildfire is so extensive that it has already burned more than 150,000 acres and is visible from space. 

A tweet from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows a loop of fire’s growth from a satellite. They say the clouds produced by the blaze have reached an estimated 45,000 or more feet high. 

In another tweet made by the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, it shows the significant and rapid growth the Creek Fire has made on Saturday. 

The explanation behind the thick, dark clouds is produced from the combination of intense heat from the fire and moisture in the atmosphere. The result is the enormous clouds that also create thunderstorms. 

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. 

Over the weekend, five new fires were identified and have burned more than 100,000 acres already. 

In Northern California, military helicopters are airlifting people to safety. They have already rescued 207 people from the wildfires that trapped campers. 

Space.com reported that the mix of wind and heat had created fire tornadoes and intense thunderstorms. 

The cause of the Creek Fire is still unknown.

According to Cal Fire, an estimated 4,265 structures have burnt and seven people have died.

[H/T Daily Mail]