California firefighters battled destructive wildfires Monday as a lengthening heat wave roasted the state.

Thousands of homes were at risk and air quality deteriorated in areas affected by smoke.

The National Weather Service blanketed the state in warnings of excessive heat and high fire danger, including the threat from lightning strikes.

“We are all experiencing rather extraordinary conditions,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, estimating there were about 15 fires statewide.

Newsom expressed optimism that most of the smaller ones would be suppressed relatively quickly.

Near California’s northern border with Nevada, a nearly 57-square-mile fire ignited by lightning near the community of Loyalton was 5% contained after destroying five homes and a half-dozen other structures, the Tahoe National Forest said.

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