Heartbreak in California as the so-called Dixie Fire destroys an entire town. CBS reports, “It came in like a tornado. The Dixie Fire tore through the historic mining town of Greenville, California, engulfing everything in its path and turning it into a hellscape.”
The historic Main Street has been reduced to rubble and homes and businesses are charred beyond recognition. Some of the destroyed buildings were from the 1800s.
“We lost Greenville tonight. There’s just not words for how us and government haven’t been able to get the job done for you.”
— Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) tears up over Dixie Fire leveling entire downtown of Greenville, California, which he represents. pic.twitter.com/682RqfY7OM
— The Recount (@therecount) August 6, 2021
According to The New York Times, “The Dixie Fire is 35 percent contained and has burned more than 420,000 acres across four counties. Officials said that the blaze seemed to have spared Chester, burning around both sides of the town off Lake Almanor, but that other communities — Westwood, Crescent Mills — closer to Greenville remained under threat.”
The weather conditions are expected to be better more favorable today to get the fire under control.
The AP adds, “The fire’s cause was under investigation, but Pacific Gas & Electric has said it may have been sparked when a tree fell on one of the utility’s power lines. No injuries or deaths have been reported.”
Watch more from CBS This Morning above.