California Struggles to Control Fire Ravaging Area Larger Than Los Angeles

More than 6,000 firefighters in California's Central Valley continued to battle the largest fire in the state history, which erupted 11 days ago. Officials said the fire has destroyed more than 560 homes and buildings and scorched more than 400,000 acres so far, an area larger than the city of Los Angeles, adding that the fire was 27 percent contained yesterday, and that more than 4,000 people have been evacuated. Due to the rugged terrain and wilderness, it took two to three hours to reach the fire lines. Some firefighters are being airlifted to the front lines by helicopter, and some are expected to remain there for days as supplies arrive. The California National Fire Center has requested assistance from firefighters in Australia and New Zealand, who will arrive on Aug. 7 and will be deployed to Oregon and Washington. Source: Qatar News Agency