Thousands flee as deadly wildfire rages in California; 15 killed; 1,500 homes destroyed
Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California in US, killing at least 15 people, destroying more than 1,500 homes and businesses
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Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California in US, killing at least 15 people, destroying more than 1,500 homes and businesses. Reuters
The flames from 17 major blazes have blackened more than 1,15,000 acres (46,500 hectares) since fires broke out on Sunday amid hot, dry conditions and high winds. Reuters
Firefighting helicopters dropped water onto burning homes as a wind-driven fire tears through neighbourhoods in Anaheim Hills. About 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes by Monday, and additional evacuation too was carried out in several counties. Reuters
More than 91,000 homes and businesses served by Pacific Gas & Electric were without power, with most of those customers in Northern California’s Sonoma and Napa counties, and gas was shut off to 28,000 residents. AP
California governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Napa, Sonoma and five other counties. President Donald Trump too has vowed to support the victims. "The federal government will stand with the people of California. And we will be there for you in this time of terrible tragedy and need", Trump said. AP
Collectively, the fires are among the deadliest in the state's history. The last single fire to kill as many people was San Diego County's Cedar Fire in October 2003, which destroyed 2,200 homes. AP