NASA Photo Captures Massive Scar Left On California By King Fire

LAKE TAHOE (CBS SF) - Massive fire burning in the foothills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe has created a huge charred gash in the side of the golden state.

Calfire say there are more than 7,000 firefighters attempting to contain the King Fire, which had scorched 92,960 acres and was only 38% contained as of Wednesday morning. A forecast of warm temperatures and erratic winds forced the addition of about 2,000 more firfighters early this week, and the above picture from space illustrates just how large of a problem they are dealing with.

About 2,700 people remained under evacuation orders Tuesday. Smoke from the fire, which has now burned for twelve days, has prompted dense smoke advisory and hazardous air quality warnings for parts of the foothills and Lake Tahoe region. The smoke is even clearly visible to those passing by on commercial flights.

Authorities say the fire has has destroyed 12 homes and 57 outbuildings since breaking out on September 13th. More than 20,000 buildings, mostly homes, remain threatened by the blaze.

Wayne Allen Huntsman, the 37-year-old man charged with starting the fire, has pleaded not guilty to arson. He is being held in El Dorado County jail on $10 million bail.

MORE KING FIRE COVERAGE:

• Couple Weds Next To King Wildfire In El Dorado County
• Man Facing Arson Charge Due In Court As Massive El Dorado King Wildfire Rages On

In:
• California
• Fire
• NASA