Convenience Big Store: Caldor Fire explodes in size, causes thousands to evacuate

The Caldor Fire burning in El Dorado County tears through Grizzly Flats – The Caldor Fire has burned at least 50 homes and has ravaged the small town of Grizzly Flats after exploding in size Tuesday. According to Cal OES, the blaze has forced 6,850 people from their homes in El Dorado County. Two shelters, one in Cameron Park and the other in Diamond Springs, were at capacity by 9:45 p.m. ABC10's Giacomo Luca was at the Cameron Park shelter Tuesday night and reported that some people were sleeping in their cars in the parking lot. Hannah Hammond, a Grizzly Flats evacuee, learned that her home didn't survive the flames after she packed up her newborn son and two young daughters to escape the fire. On the other hand, Robert Browning, of Pleasant Valley, is still waiting to hear what happened to his home. “I’m pretty shook up, worried about the house. You know, it’s a terrible thing to lose, everything you own,” Browning said. (ABC10 team)

Chickens rescued from the Caldor Fire – Amidst a burned down neighborhood in Grizzly Flats, a chicken coop full of chickens that survived the Caldor Fire was untouched by flames. ABC10's John Bartell was able to return the chickens to their owners, who were grateful to be reunited. (John Bartell, ABC10)

Some of the worst air quality in world on Wednesday is in Northern California – Most of the ongoing fires has seen the smoke streaming north and east to other states, but with a wind shift Wednesday morning, many more locations in California are experiencing very thick smoke and haze. As of Wednesday morning, many locations near Sacramento, Woodland, Davis and Dixon have reported Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers over 200. This would be considered "unhealthy" air and in some areas that have over 250 AQI are considered "hazardous." Some of the worst air quality related to smoke is in the Tahoe Basin with Incline Village and Homewood reporting AQI scores over 400 to 500. (Rob Carlmark, ABC10)

TIP OF THE DAY

Checking the air quality near you... As fires burn throughout California, it's important to monitor the air quality where you live. Click HERE to check the air quality where you live. Click HERE to check the air quality throughout California. (Ashton Byers, ABC10)

SMILE

Happy birthday Mr. Gray... Don Gray spent Wednesday celebrating his 100th birthday with family, friends in Modesto. The Veterans Foundation of Stanislaus County also gifted Don a special present. Thank you for your service Don!