More than 400 wild fires now burn in Northern California. by Tomasz Schafernaker
Thunderstorms moving across western USA have sparked further wild fires across northern California, with more than 400 still burning. In Mendocino County along the north coast of the state up to 90 fires continue to burn, with some charring more than 300 acres (121 hectares)
Lightning from the storms ignited many areas, where the vegetation remains dry after four days of intense heat. A severe heat wave continues to grip many western states, which has driven temperatures above 100C (37.8F).
So far this year there have been at least 125 wild fires in Northern California, most of which have been sparked by lightning. The blazes began at the start of the states unofficial fire season in mid-May, following California’s driest two month period on record.
Coastal places are beginning to cool down, but intense hear still grips most of the southwest. Over the next few days the storm system currently heading onshore means the thunderstorms are unlikely to return to the area, giving some hope to the emergency services currently battling the blazes.
