Utility Worker Dies While Working In Vicinity Of Carr Fire

REDDING, CA -- A Pacific Gas and Electric worker died Saturday while working in the vicinity of the massive Carr Fire in Shasta County. The death comes after six other people, including two firefighters, have died in recent days due to the wildfire labeled as one of the largest in California history.

"We have learned of the tragic death of a PG&E employee, who was working in the area of the Carr fire today," PG&E said in a statement released to the media. "The safety of our employees and our customers is PG&E’s top priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen team member, his family and our extended team. We are working with law enforcement to investigate the circumstances of the incident."

The Carr Fire, which erupted July 23, has burned more than 145,000 acres and was only 41 percent contained as of Sunday morning. Forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in Shasta and Trinity counties, the blaze destroyed more than 1,500 structures and threatened another 1,300.

Also See: Top 20 Largest, Deadliest Wildfires In California History | Mendocino Complex Fire Grows To 5th Largest In California History

Residents remain evacuated as more than 4,600 firefighters work to contain the blaze amid soaring temperatures and challenging winds.

Elsewhere in the state, firefighters were also working to contain two wildfires in Mendocino County that collectively burned more than 250,000 acres. The Ranch Fire was 23 percent contained while the River Fire was 58 percent contained Sunday morning.

The Ferguson Fire, which prompted closures at Yosemite National Park, was 35 percent contained Sunday morning after burning 89,000 acres.

A new blaze also erupted Saturday at Sunol Regional Wilderness in Alameda County, burning 30 acres.

Photo: Vegetation burns in the Carr Fire on July 30, 2018 near Redding, California. Six people have died in the massive fire, which has burned over 90,000 acres and forced thousands to evacuate since it began on July 23. (Photo by Terray Sylvester/Getty Images)