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California wildfires: Thousands evacuated as Lake Elsinore threatened | California wildfires: Thousands evacuated as Lake Elsinore threatened |
(3 days later) | |
More than 21,000 people have been evacuated from the path of a fast-moving wildfire in Southern California. | More than 21,000 people have been evacuated from the path of a fast-moving wildfire in Southern California. |
The mandatory evacuation orders were issued as the blaze, dubbed the Holy fire, threatened homes around Lake Elsinore in Riverside County. | |
The fire, one of several across the state, has destroyed more than 19,000 acres of forest north of San Diego. | The fire, one of several across the state, has destroyed more than 19,000 acres of forest north of San Diego. |
Meanwhile, a man suspected of starting the Holy fire has appeared in court accused of arson. | Meanwhile, a man suspected of starting the Holy fire has appeared in court accused of arson. |
Forrest Clark made several outbursts during the hearing in Orange County, at times refusing to show his face, local media reported. | Forrest Clark made several outbursts during the hearing in Orange County, at times refusing to show his face, local media reported. |
His case was adjourned until 17 August and bail set at $1m (£783,000), at which point Mr Clark interjected: "I can handle a million (dollars) right now, easily." | His case was adjourned until 17 August and bail set at $1m (£783,000), at which point Mr Clark interjected: "I can handle a million (dollars) right now, easily." |
Mr Clark was arrested on Tuesday outside his cabin after a brief standoff with officers. | Mr Clark was arrested on Tuesday outside his cabin after a brief standoff with officers. |
Authorities say he intentionally started the fire on Monday after a decade-long dispute with neighbours. | Authorities say he intentionally started the fire on Monday after a decade-long dispute with neighbours. |
According to Orange County officials, Mr Clark had emailed the local volunteer fire chief to threaten "this place will burn". | According to Orange County officials, Mr Clark had emailed the local volunteer fire chief to threaten "this place will burn". |
The BBC's Peter Bowes in Los Angeles says high temperatures, gusty winds and tinder dry brush have fuelled the disaster in Orange County. | The BBC's Peter Bowes in Los Angeles says high temperatures, gusty winds and tinder dry brush have fuelled the disaster in Orange County. |
Steep, inaccessible terrain has hampered crews tackling the Holy fire and the blaze was only 10% contained on Friday. | Steep, inaccessible terrain has hampered crews tackling the Holy fire and the blaze was only 10% contained on Friday. |
Experts warn that worsening weather conditions, with thunderstorms in the forecast, could lead to "extreme fire behaviour" over the next few days, he adds. | Experts warn that worsening weather conditions, with thunderstorms in the forecast, could lead to "extreme fire behaviour" over the next few days, he adds. |
The US National Weather Service says smoke from weeks of California wildfires, and others burning in the western US, has drifted over a vast area, affecting air quality "across the northern Rockies into western and central Canada and south over the northern Plains". | The US National Weather Service says smoke from weeks of California wildfires, and others burning in the western US, has drifted over a vast area, affecting air quality "across the northern Rockies into western and central Canada and south over the northern Plains". |
More than 600 firefighters are battling the Holy fire, which is one of at least 18 wildfires raging across California. | More than 600 firefighters are battling the Holy fire, which is one of at least 18 wildfires raging across California. |
The Mendocino Complex fire has been declared the largest in state history and has already engulfed 290,692 acres. | The Mendocino Complex fire has been declared the largest in state history and has already engulfed 290,692 acres. |
Fire chiefs say they expect it to burn for the rest of the month. | Fire chiefs say they expect it to burn for the rest of the month. |
Another blaze - the Carr fire, further north - has killed at least seven people and destroyed more than 1,500 structures. On Friday it was declared 51% under control. | Another blaze - the Carr fire, further north - has killed at least seven people and destroyed more than 1,500 structures. On Friday it was declared 51% under control. |
Across the state, at least 14,000 firefighters are struggling to contain the multiple outbreaks. | Across the state, at least 14,000 firefighters are struggling to contain the multiple outbreaks. |
The crews have been boosted by US army personnel and more than 1,000 prisoners. The inmates - who are considered low-risk offenders - work on a volunteer basis but also receive $2 (£1.50) a day, plus $1 an hour. | The crews have been boosted by US army personnel and more than 1,000 prisoners. The inmates - who are considered low-risk offenders - work on a volunteer basis but also receive $2 (£1.50) a day, plus $1 an hour. |
Fire crews from Australia and New Zealand have also flown over to share their expertise in battling bush fires. | Fire crews from Australia and New Zealand have also flown over to share their expertise in battling bush fires. |
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