Wildfires rage across south western USA. by Liam Dutton
Once again, wildfires are making the headlines in south western parts of the USA, with both people and property put at risk from raging flames and the effects of smoke.
Thousands of fire fighters and a few aircraft have worked in blazing heat during the past few days in order to try and keep two wildfires under control.
Lightning has been the cause of the fires in the heavily populated San Bernardino Mountains of California, where around 108 square miles of land have been scorched.
The larger of the two fires has destroyed 45 homes, and remains a potential threat to a further 1,500 properties. Fortunately there have been no fatal casualties from the fires so far.
Efforts to bring the fires under control have proved extremely difficult, with daytime temperatures soaring to 41°C (106°C). With high temperatures set to continue for the next few days, the risk of the fires spreading further remains a distinct possibility.
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