California's fire-resistant redwoods are burning. Fire officials fear that the worst is yet to come. Centuries-old trees are being ravaged by an uncontrolled forest fire in the Sequoia National Forest in the southern Sierra Mountains 130 miles north of Los Angeles. Over 1550 firefighters have failed to contain the McNally fire, which consumed 55,000 acres in its first four days. Some of these trees are 1,500 years old, 220 feet high, and 20 feet across. Trees exploded as flames leapt from tall tree to tall tree.
The fire reached within a mile of the Packsaddle Grove, which includes the Packsaddle Giant - the world's fourth widest tree. The world's largest living thing, based on volume, the General Sherman tree, is nearby in the Giant Forest. The 275-foot tall and 30-foot across tree does not yet appear threatened.
The fire reached within a mile of the Packsaddle Grove, which includes the Packsaddle Giant - the world's fourth widest tree. The world's largest living thing, based on volume, the General Sherman tree, is nearby in the Giant Forest. The 275-foot tall and 30-foot across tree does not yet appear threatened.
Mature redwoods can withstand almost any natural fire, partly because of their flared bases. So they can live for more than 3,200 years.
Peri Van Brunt, 45, has been arrested for starting the fire in the redwoods.
3.7 million acres of wildland have burned in the U.S. this year. The average for the year to date is 1.7 million acres. Eleven people have been killed fighting fires and hundreds of homes destroyed. The West is experiencing the worst drought in decades and hence one of its worst wildfire seasons.
Peri Van Brunt, 45, has been arrested for starting the fire in the redwoods.
3.7 million acres of wildland have burned in the U.S. this year. The average for the year to date is 1.7 million acres. Eleven people have been killed fighting fires and hundreds of homes destroyed. The West is experiencing the worst drought in decades and hence one of its worst wildfire seasons.