US authorities said a rapidly spreading wildfire in California, near Yosemite National Park, has destroyed 10 buildings and threatens thousands of others.

The so-called “oak fire” began at 2:00 pm in Medbin, Mariposa County, about 70 miles north of Fresno and about 10 miles from Yosemite, near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the statement said.

“The overnight fire destroyed 6,555 acres, and the explosive nature of the fire has become a problem for 400 firefighters and four deployed helicopters,” CalFire said.

On social media, residents posted photos of the ominous plume of smoke that quickly crossed the orange-red sky after the fire broke out.

Evacuation orders were issued from an area extending several miles from the fire, officials closed several roads and it is not known if any residents were injured, and an American Red Cross. destroyed where injured. Five more damage.

While wildfires occur in the West every year, the link between climate change and major fires is inextricable. Wildfires are increasing in size and intensity in the western United States, and wildfire seasons are getting longer. Recent studies have shown that “the heat and drought associated with global warming are the main reasons for the increase in the number of larger and more intense fires.”