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Wildfire

Two of largest fires in California's history burn thousands of acres

More than two dozen major fires are active across the state

By Paul Best Fox News
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Lightning strikes believed to be the cause of multiple fires in California Video

Lightning strikes believed to be the cause of multiple fires in California

Crews battle multiple fires in Northern California believed to be caused by lightning strikes.

Two of the top 10 largest wildfires in California’s history are currently raging across the state.

The SCU Lighting Complex burned 229,968 acres as of 5 p.m. PT, making it the seventh largest fire in California history. The LNU Lightning Complex had destroyed 219,067 acres as of 5:49 p.m. PT, making it the 10th largest.

More than 560 fires have torched 771,000 acres so far. Many of them are small, but more than two dozen are major. Nearly 12,000 firefighters are working to keep the wildfires under control.

There are also 24 air tankers, 88 helicopters, and more than 1,000 fire engines.

Bill Nichols, 84, works to save his home as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Vacaville, Calif., on Aug. 19. Nichols has lived in the home for 77 years. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Bill Nichols, 84, works to save his home as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Vacaville, Calif., on Aug. 19. Nichols has lived in the home for 77 years. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

CALIFORNIA SLAMMED BY WILDFIRES, HEAT, UNHEALTHY SMOKY AIR

The wildfires took at least six lives and forced tens of thousands from their homes. State fire officials said four civilians have died, as well as a Pacific Gas & Electric worker and a helicopter pilot.

Crews from neighboring states, including Oregon, Idaho and Arizona, arrived to help control the spread, according to Daniel Berlant, assistant deputy director for Cal Fire.

Seen in a long exposure photograph, embers burn along a hillside as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through unincorporated Napa County, Calif., on Aug. 18.  

Seen in a long exposure photograph, embers burn along a hillside as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through unincorporated Napa County, Calif., on Aug. 18.   (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Many of the fires were sparked by lightning strikes.

"The fire concentration, the challenge that we're facing in the state is now disproportionately impacting Northern California. And that is because that is close to 12,000 lightning strikes that we experienced over a 72-hour period,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said Friday.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.