60 hikers rescued as raging California wildfire spreads on the Pacific Crest Trail

An “unnerving and quite frightening” scene loomed as hikers made their way up the Pacific Crest Trail.

A huge wildfire was growing, and a massive smoke plume could be seen from the iconic trail. The McKinney Fire is the largest wildfire of the season in California, according to The Sacramento Bee.

As of Monday evening, it grew to more than 55,490 acres with no containment, The Bee reported. At least two people have been found dead west of Klamath River.

Hikers on the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail could see the fire lurking in the distance.

“When cell service allowed, some hikers made calls to family and local authorities in an attempt to get information on the threat they were facing,” the trail association said in a news release. “Others simply activated the SOS function on their satellite messengers.”

At least 60 people were helped off the Pacific Crest Trail on the California side on Saturday, July 30, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The hikers were bused to Medford or Ashland at their request, officials said.

The trail association said hikers should always be prepared for wildfires when heading out on the Pacific Crest Trail.

“You’re on your own out there. Be prepared,” officials said. “There are tens of thousands of wildfires every year, and because of drought and our changing climate, they’re growing in number, size, and intensity.”

This story was originally published August 2, 2022 at 1:41 PM with the headline "60 hikers rescued as raging California wildfire spreads on the Pacific Crest Trail."