Thousands of Californians flee wildfires burning throughout the state

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif., Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Wildfires are raging across California, forcing thousands of people to flee those fires.

According to fire officials, there are 11 major fires burning across the Golden State, where a record-breaking drought is making conditions ripe for wildfires.

The Courtney Fire-- near Yosemite National Park -- has burned only 320 acres so far; but has destroyed at least 21 structures and forced 1,000 people from their homes, according to CalFire officials.

So far this year, CalFire has responded to 4,800 wildfires. That's 1,000 more than last year.

Late Monday afternoon, a new fire sparked near the northern Calif. town of Weed. CalFire officials said it spread to 200 acres in just two hours and destroyed 75 homes.