The Creek Fire began on Friday. By Saturday afternoon, it became widespread and crossed the San Joaquin River. When the blaze cut off the only road into the Mammoth Pool Campground, evacuations began.
Governor Gavin Newsom deployed the California National Guard to help contain the central California wildfires and airlift evacuees to safety on military Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. The rescues took place on Saturday night until Sunday morning.
The Creek Fire spread quickly throughout the popular camping area, leaving people stranded.
The Creek Fire forced the closure of a 915-megawatt hydropower station in Madera County.
At least 2,000 structures were threatened in the area about 290 miles north of Los Angeles. At least two people are hospitalized with severe injuries. At least 10 people suffered from more moderate injuries.
No one was able to contain the fire which charred more than 71 square miles of trees, and acreage in the Sierra National Forest area. Within the National Forest area temperatures were averaging over 100 degrees.
