McKinney Fire: Scenes from California’s largest wildfire of 2022

Here are some ground pictures from the fast-moving wildfire in the US, dubbed the McKinney Fire,  that has torn through more than 55,000 acres (22,000 hectares) near the border with Oregon, forcing thousands from their homes and killing two.

A fast-moving wildfire in the US, dubbed the McKinney Fire, has grown to become the largest wildfire so far in 2022 within only three days. Credit: AP Photo

The wildfire that began on July 29 in the Klamath National Forest in Siskiyou County, near the California-Oregon border, has so far scorched over 55,000 acres (over 222 square km) with zero containment. Credit: AP Photo

Firefighters faced

The fast-spreading blaze comes just days after the Oak Fire near Yosemite National Park destroyed dozens of buildings and forced thousands to evacuate. Credit: Reuters Photo

Melted aluminium is seen at a property in the community of Klamath River, which burned in the McKinney Fire, in California. Credit: AFP Photo

The National Weather Service meanwhile issued a warning because of the threat of dry lightning -- powerful electrical strikes that come without any of the desperately needed rain. Credit: AFP Photo

Scorched vehicles and residences line the Oaks Mobile Home Park in the Klamath River community as the McKinney Fire burns in Klamath National Forest, California. Credit: AP Photo

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Siskiyou County, and more than 2,000 residents of the rural area are under evacuation orders. Credit: AFP Photo

California, along with much of the western United States, is in the grip of its worst drought in more than 1,000 years. Credit: AFP Photo