The McKinney fire in California was the largest of the year

A rapidly spreading fire Friday in northern California near the Oregon border evacuated 2,000 residents and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure.

The fire, called the McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County, is already the largest fire in California this year. The fire has scorched more than 51,000 acres. It was 0% contained as of Sunday, according to the latest figures provided by officials.

More than two decades of drought and rising temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, have made California more vulnerable than ever to wildfires. The greatest devastation comes in 2020 and 2021.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Siskiyou County, where the Klamath Reservation is located, is about 44,000.

An emergency declaration by California Governor Gavin Newsom will help residents access federal aid and unlock state resources.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries.