Hot, dry weather challenges crews fighting River Fire

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Massive flames continue to scorch the Salinas hillside for the third day. At 4,509 acres and 10% containment, the River Fire has forced more people to leave their homes.

"I've experienced and been through a lot of fires. I've never been this up-close-and-personal to one. This one is relentless. She's not giving up," said evacuated resident, Tiffany Tibbs.

Tiffany Tibbs sat her in front yard, Tuesday. She watched as the flames inched closer.

"I'm just sitting here trying to run through everything that is in the house, but I have everything right here that I need," said Tibbs.

Six structures have already burned to the ground. Firefighters protected the homes that still stand.

"The problems we are running into, like most fires, is inaccessible terrain for firefighters to get out to. There's a lot of brush that hasn't burned in a while," said CalFire Spokesperson, Blanca Mercado.

Mercado said hot, dry weather has made the firefight challenging. "We watch for wind, which way the wind is going, where the dead fuels are, and which fuels are ready to burn because it's so dry," said Mercado.

Mercado said lower temperatures and higher humidity will help calm the flames.

The Tibbs family is staying hopeful. "I don't think our firefighters are giving up either. They're going to be with it for the long haul," said Tibbs.