Thousands flee wildfires across US and Canada

Wildfires in California and Canada were quickly spreading yesterday, forcing thousands of people to flee, officials have said.

Southern California crews said that they hoped slightly cooler temperatures and diminishing winds would help in the battle against major wildfires that have destroyed buildings, closed a highway and forced evacuations.

In Northern California, a Butte County wildfire swept through grassy foothills and destroyed ten structures, including homes, and led to several injuries. Burned-out pickup trucks were left in ashes, surrounded by charred, leafless trees.

Firefighters were contending with nearly 200 wildfires in British Columbia that had destroyed dozens of buildings, including several homes and two airport hangars.