Authorities have reported that a massive fire is raging across both California and Nevada, exhibiting extreme fire behavior and giving rise to “fire whirls,” posing dangerous conditions for firefighters.

Known as the York Fire, it has become California’s largest fire of the year, consuming approximately 80,000 acres as of Tuesday morning.

The fire originated on Friday in the New York Mountain Range within California’s Mojave National Preserve and spread into Nevada on Sunday, propelled by strong winds and scorching temperatures.

Though firefighters managed to gain some control over the blaze on Monday night, as of Tuesday morning, it was only 23% contained, CNN reported.

An infrared flight conducted during the night provided a more accurate assessment of the fire’s size and activity, according to the National Parks Service.

The York Fire is one of numerous wildfires currently burning across the country, with some areas enduring relentless heat, including one fire that spans both sides of the US-Canadian border.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue their efforts to contain the flames and protect affected communities.

Written by staff