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California fire 'serious threat' Heat fuelling California wildfire
(about 6 hours later)
Firefighters tackling an intense wildfire north of Los Angeles say the blaze remains "very dangerous".Firefighters tackling an intense wildfire north of Los Angeles say the blaze remains "very dangerous".
Fuelled by hot weather and dense, dry brush, the blaze is threatening 12,000 buildings and key communications masts. Fuelled by hot weather and dense, dry brush, the blaze doubled in size in a day to spread over 134 sq miles (347 sq km) of forest.
Two firefighters were killed on Sunday after their vehicle was overrun by flames and rolled down a mountainside. About 12,000 buildings and key communications masts are under threat, and officials say the fire could easily double again over the coming days.
Two firefighters died on Sunday after their vehicle was overrun by flames.
Mike Dietrich, of LA County Fire Dept, said: "We are making progress. But it is... slow and very dangerous. We have to wait for the fire to come to us."Mike Dietrich, of LA County Fire Dept, said: "We are making progress. But it is... slow and very dangerous. We have to wait for the fire to come to us."
The fire has been growing steadily, doubling in size on Sunday. Mr Dietrich said it was possible it would double in size yet again over the next few days. Thousands of residents have fled the flames, and some 6,600 homes are under mandatory evacuation orders.
See map of California wildfires
Some 6,600 homes are under mandatory evacuation orders. State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger described the blazes as "still totally out of control".
The fires also threaten communication towers housing transmitters for all Los Angeles' major TV stations.The fires also threaten communication towers housing transmitters for all Los Angeles' major TV stations.
Mount Wilson, where the towers are located - near the city of Pasadena - is also home to a historic solar observatory.Mount Wilson, where the towers are located - near the city of Pasadena - is also home to a historic solar observatory.
In pictures: California's wildfiresIn pictures: California's wildfires
Firefighters are on the mountain clearing brush and spraying fire retardant in preparation for the fires, which are approaching the transmitters.Firefighters are on the mountain clearing brush and spraying fire retardant in preparation for the fires, which are approaching the transmitters.
About 2,500 firefighters are trying to contain the fires, which have burnt over 66 sq miles (170 sq km) of forest. Fire department officials say the area's steep, rugged hills are making it difficult for the 2,500 firefighters to fight the fire.
Fire department officials say the area's steep, rugged hills are making efforts to fight the fire more difficult. "It's burning everywhere," US Forest Service spokeswoman Dianne Cahir told Associated Press news agency.
With forecasts of continuing hot weather, there has been speculation that it could take firefighters a week to bring the blaze under control, says the BBC's David Willis in Los Angeles. "When it gets into canyons that haven't burned in numerous years, it takes off."
Wildfires are a feature of the Californian summer, but it is unusual for them to break out so close to major population centres.Wildfires are a feature of the Californian summer, but it is unusual for them to break out so close to major population centres.
A number of other fires are also burning in southern and central California.A number of other fires are also burning in southern and central California.
A new fire in Placer County, north-east of the state capital, Sacramento, has destroyed 60 structures, many of them homes in the town of Auburn.A new fire in Placer County, north-east of the state capital, Sacramento, has destroyed 60 structures, many of them homes in the town of Auburn.
Have you been given an evacuation order? Are you concerned about the spread of the fire? Send us your comments using the form below:Have you been given an evacuation order? Are you concerned about the spread of the fire? Send us your comments using the form below:
You can also send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.You can also send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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