California’s summer heat intensified on Friday as a wildfire threatened the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa, a key gateway to Yosemite National Park.

The French Fire ignited on the town’s northern edge Thursday night, rapidly spreading and prompting evacuation orders for about 1,000 residents.

Flames approached the hospital, high school, and closed Highway 140, a main route into Yosemite.

By Friday afternoon, with temperatures reaching 107 degrees, firefighters had managed to contain much of the blaze, which had burned 908 acres and was 15% contained.

Some evacuees were allowed to return home as containment lines held. The fire’s rapid spread emphasized the crews’ effort to protect the community, according to Cal Fire spokeswoman Jaime Williams.

Meanwhile, in Butte County, firefighters gained control over the Thompson Fire near Oroville, which had burned 3,789 acres, destroyed 25 buildings, and was 46% contained, the Mercury News has reported.

About 2,200 firefighters continued battling the blaze with temperatures forecasted to hit 115 degrees.

Experts highlighted that climate change is driving higher temperatures, increasing the risk and intensity of wildfires, despite variations due to rain, snow, or events like dry lightning storms and arson.

Written by B.C. Begley