Thousands of residents in Northern California evacuated  their homes due to the wildfires that started on Saturday.

The Pawnee Fire that broke out near the Clearlake Oaks Community in Lake County destroyed 22 structures. Additional 600 structures are vulnerable as the blaze continues to expand due to erratic winds.

As of Monday morning, the wildfire already burned 8,200 acres. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department ordered a mandatory evacuation in the Spring Valley area, home to approximately 3,000 people.

Jonathan Cox, Battalion Chief, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said, “What we’re stressing is that people, when they get the evacuation order, they heed it immediately and get out and stay out until it is safe to return.”

In addition, Cox said, "This is one of four large fires burning in Northern California. It's a good reminder that fire season is upon us."

Fire is moving in multiple directions

On the other hand, Paul Lowenthal, assistant fire marshal at the Santa Rosa Fire Department said, “Given the weather and the changes in wind direction, the fire is moving in multiple directions.”

“I don’t think any of us thought we would be here this early in the season. This is the last thing anyone wants to go through. It has the potential to get a lot bigger given the wind and the directions it’s being pushed,” he added.

A resident in the area, Wayne McKennon, told Joe Vasquez of CBS’ KPIX 5, “I’ve been evacuated six times in the last five years. There’s nothing new but this is the closest one.” He added, “I’m too old to fight it anymore. Got my wife and my dog and I’m out here.”

More than 235 firefighters using bulldozers, helicopters and other resources to extinguish the wildfire.

CalFire personnel are also battling the Stoll Fire and Lane Fire in Tehama County where “multiple residential and commercial buildings” have been destroyed. The Lane Fire threatened 200 structures and was 10% contained, according to Cox.

They are also fighting the Creek Fire in Shasta County, which is 20% contained and did not damage any structure.