California’s raging Mosquito Fire has destroyed 25 homes and continues its unrelenting spread through dry forests in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Burning intensely and choking the air with smoke, The blaze – the largest currently burning in California – began amid extreme heat September 6 and grew quickly, torching 48,700 acres in El Dorado and Placer counties as of Monday evening. It was only about 16% contained, according to Cal Fire. Flames advanced on mountain communities as the fire grew, destroying more than two-dozen homes and 21 other buildings, according to fire officials.
Placer County health authorities warned residents about elevated levels of particulate matter in the air, which can be inhaled deep into the lungs and seep into the bloodstream. Wildfire smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The smoke can be particularly dangerous for children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people.
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