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Record-breaking California wildfires surpass 4 million acres

Record-breaking California wildfires surpass 4 million acres
Noah Berger
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter passes flames while battling the Glass Fire in a Calistoga, Calif., vineyard Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Record-breaking California wildfires surpass 4 million acres
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Deadly wildfires in California have burned more than 4 million acres this year, a new record for the number of acres burned in a single year.

The previous record was two years ago when wildfires destroyed 1.67 million acres.

California fire officials said the state hit the fearsome milestone Sunday with about two months still left in the fire season.

More than 16,500 firefighters are working to contain at least 23 major wildfires across the state, officials said.

Lightning strikes in mid-August caused some of the most devastating blazes and most of the damage has occurred since then.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 8,200 wildfires have ignited, which have incinerated over 8,454 structures and killed 31 people.

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WILDFIRE RESOURCES

ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

  • Easily carried valuables
  • Family photos and other irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.