There are 15 serious wildfires burning throughout California.

For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that Yosemite National Park was closed due to the fire. Only parts of the park, including Yosemite Valley, are closed.

As of Tuesday, 12,300 firefighters were on the lines battling infernos that have burned more than 280,000 acres across the state.

“It’s a horrendous battle,” said Scott McLean, a deputy chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.


“Last week alone, during the week, you had over 1,000 wildfire responses,” he said. “Commonly this time of year it’s maybe 250 to 300.”

(Priya Krishnakumar / Los Angeles Times)

Carr fire

Location: Shasta County

Damage: Burned more than 110,150 acres and more than 1,236 structures


Deaths: At least six people

Cranston fire

Location: San Jacinto Mountains

Damage: Burned 13,500 acres and several homes

Ferguson fire

Location: Near Yosemite National Park


Damage: Burned 57,800 acres and closed portions of the park

Deaths: Two firefighters

River fire

Location: Mendocino County

Damage: Burned 27,000 acres and four homes


Ranch fire

Location: Mendocino County

Damage: Burned 47,300 acres

Steele fire

Location: Napa County

Damage: Burned 150 acres and seven structures


Natches fire

Location: California-Oregon border

Damage: More than 5,000 acres

A satellite image shows the Northern California fires. (NASA)

The death toll

Braden Varney, 36, bulldozer operator


Varney’s bulldozer tumbled down a hillside during the building of a defensive line in the Ferguson fire.

Brian Hughes, 33, captain of Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots

Hughes was killed when a tree fell on him during a tactical firing operation in the Ferguson fire.

Melody Bledsoe, Emily Roberts and James Roberts


Bledsoe and her two great-grandchildren were killed when fire swept into their home in Redding.

Jeremy Stoke, 37, Redding fire inspector

Stoke was killed during the Carr fire.

Don Ray Smith, 81, bulldozer operator


Smith was overtaken by flames during the Carr fire.

READ MORE:

‘It’s a horrendous battle’ trying to contain wildfires across California, firefighters say »

Eight people have died this year in California wildfires. Here are some of their stories »


The common thread in California’s wildfires: heat like the state has never seen »

UPDATES:

July 31, 12:05 p.m.: This article was updated with the latest information on fire damage.

This article was originally published July 30 at 8 a.m.