More than 190,000 Californians flee for their lives as wildfires have destroyed more than 100 miles of land in Sonoma County, California, Firefighters race to bring the fire under control. 741,000 homes or businesses are still without power.
The new blaze broke out in the early hours on Monday near the Getty Art Museum in Los Angeles. Violent winds of up to a 100 mph helped kindle the fire. It has scorched nearly 75,000 acres, destroyed more than 120 structures.
Heavy smoke and ash filled the air as water-dropping helicopters and airplane tankers buzzed overhead. No deaths from either blaze were reported, but a firefighter was seriously injured.
Authorities warn that the extreme winds fuelling fires across the state could pick up again soon.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said: “I know this moment generates a tremendous amount of anxiety.
“I’m not naive about shifting winds and shifting conditions so we are putting all the assets we have onto this fire.”
The flames also threatened Mount St Mary’s University, a local college, and a spokeswoman said all 450 students were evacuated to the university’s campus near downtown.
The Los Angeles mayor, Eric Garcetti, hailed “a lot of amazing heroes” while warning residents to heed evacuation warnings. “If you have an evacuation notice and you are still in your home, leave. We have seen tragedies before … get your loved ones and your pets and go,” he said.
>Juthy Saha
