The wildfire crossing the borders of Yosemite in California has tripled in size, with potential to grow more today. Because it threatens both power and water supply for San Francisco, Governor Brown has declared a state of emergency.
Several hydroelectric plants near the fire have stopped operating, and there have been blackouts reported in San Francisco. The fire is closing in on areas that supply 85% of San Francisco's water. This same area supplies power to the San Francisco airport and municipal buildings.
The fire is at best 5% contained, and it is so powerful that it is creating its own weather.
This is one of 50 major fires burning in the West. There's another north and east of here that is sending smoke down to us. It may burn a long time yet.
Update 10 p.: The Yosemite fire is still mostly out of control, but the area near the San Francisco power and water supply has apparently been secured, and damage is being assessed.
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