Salinas: River Fire Continues To Burn, 39,000+ Acres Scorched

08.21.2020 | 9:30 AM | SALINAS – A fire dubbed the “River Fire” is continuing to burn after scorching 39,000+ acres, Friday morning.

The River Fire was first reported near Pine Canyon and River Road around 2:56 PM on Sunday.

Since then the fire has scorched an estimated 39,464 acres over the course of four days.

Firefighting resources from the air and ground have managed to contain about 9% of the fire and are continuing their tireless efforts.

Numerous evacuations impacting over 5,000 people are in effect in the area and residents are being urged to leave the area as soon as possible to accommodate firefighting efforts.

Four firefighters have suffered from heat-related injuries while battling the blaze but are expected to recover.

Six structures have been destroyed by the fire and another 2,750 remain threatened.

The fire is believed to have been started amid record thunderstorms and lightning strikes in the area that have ignited many other fires, including those in the LNU Lightning Complex.

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