Wildfire forcing over 8,000 to flee

Los Angeles, July 10: Wildfires roared on Sunday across much of California, forcing thousands to evacuate homes as the most populous US state sweltered in record heat and flames menaced thousands of structures.

Some 8,000 people were sent fleeing as thousands of firefighters were battling 14 large wildfires throughout the state, according to the California department of forestry and fire protection, known as Cal Fire.

The Alamo fire had scorched 23,867 acres after starting in San Luis Obispo County and spreading to Santa Barbara County along the state’s central coast.

That blaze, currently the state’s largest active fire located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, was 15 per cent contained, according to Cal Fire.

In Santa Barbara County some 1,000 firefighters were racing to contain the Alamo fire, which prompted some 200 people in a remote area to flee, with help from waterdropping helicopters.

Fire containment efforts were particularly aimed on Sunday at guarding mountain peaks holding vital infrastructure, according to the Los Angeles Times , such as a high-voltage line that powers neighbouring cities.

More than 3,500 people had fled the Whittier fire in Santa Barbara County that started on Saturday afternoon as temperatures hit a sizzling 43ºC, officials said. It grew to engulf some 7,800 acres and was just five per cent controlled.