Alex Luna, a 20-year-old missionary, witnessed the sky turn from cherry red to black as the Bridge Fire rapidly approached Wrightwood, California.

Luna, along with other residents of the 4,500-person community, evacuated as the fire spread across 75 square miles, becoming the largest of three wildfires in Southern California.

Cooler weather offered hope for progress against the flames, but evacuation orders continued to expand, threatening over 65,600 homes.

Fires also raged in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada, displacing thousands, the Associated Press has reported.

The wildfire season in California is intensifying, with blazes threatening homes, communication towers, and public safety infrastructure.

Written by B.C. Begley