August 2, 2015 - By Eliott C. McLaughlin and Michael Martinez,
Thousands of California acres are ablaze as firefighters battle at least 21 wildfires throughout the state, but while many of those fires are small or mostly contained, the wind and heat that are spreading the Rocky Fire in Northern California -- and the area's steep terrain -- are causing the most concern.

However, the clouds Sunday carried silver linings: cooler temperatures and increased humidity. Even with high winds in the area, those conditions should reduce the blaze's spread, though fire officials warned that the state's drought has been so severe, firefighters might need more than cooler temperatures to douse the blaze.
Since Saturday, the fire spread by almost 24,000 acres and has now consumed 46,000 acres in Lake, Yolo and Colusa counties, according to Daniel Berland, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

Fifty residences and outbuildings have been destroyed and authorities estimate more than 6,000 structures face a direct threat.
David Ruhl of Rapid City, South Dakota, lost his life fighting the Frog Fire in far northern California's Modoc National Forest, near Adin. Rescuers found his body Friday morning after searching for him through the night, the Forest Service said.
Ruhl, survived by a wife and two children, had been on temporary assignment in the area since June. The Forest Service didn't release details about his death, adding that it was under investigation.
"Our hearts are heavy for Dave, Dave's family, friends, the entire Forest Service and wildland fire community," said Forest Supervisor Craig Bobzien.