Fires spread and a heat wave hit the region.

California firefighters battled multiple blazes amid a heat wave Friday, with a new blaze raging near famed Yosemite National Park while a blaze further north was contained. Temperatures were expected to reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius) in the western US state on Friday as the region's heat wave nears its peak. “The dangerous heat will certainly spread further west today (Friday) and Saturday.”The National Weather Service (NWS) warned.

“We expect record temperatures to be equaled or broken.”They added. The heat wave comes during the July 4th weekend, when millions of Americans celebrate the United States Declaration of Independence by setting off fireworks that could spark wildfires in dry conditions. A fire broke out in the town of Mariposa, near Yosemite National Park, on Thursday evening. By Friday morning, the blaze had burned several hundred acres and was only 5 percent contained, firefighters said.

The cause is not yet known. In the northern part of the state, firefighters were able to control a violent fire that forced several thousand residents to evacuate the area. “Above average temperatures will continue until next week”The NWS announced. Scientists say the recurring heat waves are a sign of global warming linked to climate change.