California fights fire

A FIERCE wildfire continued to rage north of Los Angeles yesterday, threatening other towns after charring vast swathes of land, but other blazes were largely contained after burning for days.

The “Thomas fire” is only 15 per cent contained, now threatening the city of Santa Barbara and the coastal town of Carpinteria, making it one of the worst ever wildfires in California.

The blaze has already destroyed 600 structures and scorched 70,000ha, authorities said.