01 September 2009

Wildfires continue to rage north of LA

Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency after wildfires continue to rage north of Los Angeles.

The fires, which have hit the San Gabriel Mountains about 20 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, doubled in size in one day to over 134 sq miles of forest.

Officials fear the fires could double in size again over the coming days, threatening about 12,000 buildings and key communications masts.

Los Angeles Airport remains open, but according to reports on ABC news yesterday, the airport is among key buildings under threat if the fires are not brought under control.

Although wildfires are not unusual during the Californian summer, they do not usually break out in such close proximity to major population centres.


By Bev Fearis

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