California Wildfire Update: Idyllwild Wildfire In Southern California Continues To Grow, 6,000 Forced To Evacuate

6,000 residents have evacuated their homes in the San Jacinto Mountains after a wildfire torched 35 square miles in Southern California this week.

As of Friday, the massive wildfire in Idyllwild, nicknamed the "Mountain Fire," was only 15 percent contained as 3,300 fire fighters continue to combat the flames on the ground and in aircrafts. By its second day, the Mountain Fire had become the largest active wildfire in California and could become the state's largest so far this year.

Since the fire suddenly started Monday afternoon, the blaze has been rushing east of the Mountain Center and Apple Canyon areas in steep, rugged terrain, reports the Associated Press.

By Thursday, the fire had forced the evacuation of 6,000 residents and visitors from 2,200 homes in dyllwild, Fern Valley and nearby wilderness areas including Mount San Jacinto State Park. About 4,100 residences including hotels, condominiums and cabins are threatened, Forest Service spokeswoman Melody Lardner said.

Temperatures are expected to hit around 100 degrees on both Friday and Saturday with low humidity. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms, which could produce lightning and ignite new blazes, say concerned officials.

The Mountain Fire in Idyllwild grew more than 2,000 acres overnight Thursday, gaining a foothold in the San Jacinto State Wilderness and the Tahquitz Meadow area, fire officials said on Friday.

The battle continues Friday when temperatures are expected to reach 91 degrees in Idyllwild. There is also a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms, reports Mercury News.