California Wildfire 2014 News & Update: Applegate Burns, 1000 Placer County Homes Threatened, Fire Map

As of today, the Applegate fire in Northern California has already claimed five homes and is currently threatening 1,000 others, according to Calfire. Officials say the blaze started at five separate spots off of Interstate 80 and increased from 380 to 420 acres consumed just last night.

The area where the fire is currently burning is considered 'wildland.'

The I-80 heading east in that area currently has only one lane open, this is because of the ongoing effort to bring the wildfire under control, and stretches all the way from Weimar Cross Road down to Applegate.

According to officials, there are 450 firefighers combatting the blaze. The weather is slightly cooler than it has been, though temperatures remain in the 80s and with relatively low humidity. The firefighters are also facing tough challenges from the terrain they are working in. They'll be working amongst tall trees and ground brush, both perfect fuel for the wildfire. They'll also be working in steep, mountainous terrain.

Calfire explained that the blaze is currently located in a canyon, which makes just getting to it a challenge. Long hikes are required by firefighters on the ground to reach the fire, and heavy equipment, including bulldozers, are being used to create buffer zones across which the fire cannot travel. In addition, aerial support is being provided by helicopters dropping water throughout the canyon.

View California Fire Map in a larger map

Another challenger for firefighters in wind, which can help the fire to spread and change direction suddenly and without warning.

Current evacuation orders in the area include Ponderosa Way to the state park border; Bridge Trail Way, Brushy Ridge, Hidden Ridge, Cross Road and East Ridge.

California and much of the Pacific Northwest has already endured a significant amount of wildfire activity this year. Earlier this week, a pilot of a fire support airtanker crashed and died while fighting a blaze burning in Yosemite, CA. Geoffrey Hung was piloting a CAL FIRE S-2T tanker near the Dog Rock fire burning near the Arch Rock in Yosemite.