Scorching temperatures on the Fourth of July led to wildfires in California, with warnings of dangerously hot weather. A large blaze near Yosemite National Park triggered evacuations and forced hospital patients to shelter in place. The French Fire in Mariposa County burned 908 acres, with 20% containment. Evacuation orders remained in place for some areas, with power outages affecting 3,400 customers. The Thompson Fire in Butte County burned almost 3,800 acres and was 55% contained. Thousands of people were forced to evacuate but many were able to return home. A 61-year-old man was arrested for starting a backfire. Fourth of July celebrations were canceled due to extreme temperatures across California. The man admitted to setting the fire with a propane torch and was jailed on a felony charge. The incident brought back memories of the deadly Camp Fire in 2018 that killed 85 people and displaced thousands in Oroville. Many residents, like Lynette Bailey, had to evacuate quickly, with her 90-year-old father and dog, dealing with the extreme heat and uncertainty. The ongoing heat wave and wildfire threats continue to pose a danger to communities in California.
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