Widespread fires swept through hundreds of hectares in the US state of California, damaging homes in Los Angeles County, amid warnings of continued fire spread risks due to strong winds and high temperatures.
The Associated Press reported on Saturday that the Orange County Fire Authority stated that the "Norte" fire consumed approximately 188 hectares and damaged four homes in the municipality of San Juan Capistrano in the south of the county, noting that firefighting teams are continuing efforts to contain it by land and air.
Authorities issued widespread evacuation orders due to the rapid spread of the fire, and some power lines were disconnected as a precaution to limit the risk of sparks carried by the wind, resulting in power outages for tens of thousands of subscribers in Los Angeles County.
Multiple fires in counties
In a related development, firefighters continued battling the "Bryson" fire, which broke out overnight near the coastal Malibu area in the west of the county, consuming approximately 147 acres by Friday afternoon, with a containment rate of 17 percent.
The US Marine Corps base "Camp Pendleton" was also affected by the "Henderson" fire, which caused highway closures and consumed approximately 2,070 acres last Friday.
Weather warnings
Weather experts stated that wind speeds ranged between 80 and 110 kilometers per hour in mountainous areas, and between 55 and 90 kilometers per hour in coastal areas and valleys, while temperatures reached approximately 38 degrees Celsius in some areas.
The National Weather Service warned of continued risk of fire outbreaks and rapid spread on Saturday, especially in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and in the mountainous areas and hills of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, urging residents to prepare for the possibility of emergency evacuation orders.
A fire broke out near the city of Reno in the US state of Nevada in late August last year, injuring six people and forcing authorities to evacuate tens of thousands, while also destroying several homes.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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