Burning California

Over 2 million acres of land destroyed by 2020 wildfires in California.  The fires have destroyed over 3,300 buildings and killed 8 people. The last time California saw such massive damage was in 2018, when fires affected 1.96 million acres of land. 14,000 firefighters were fighting 23 major fires across California. The western state of the US has had 900 wildfires since August 15, caused mainly by lightning strikes. The wildfire in Fresno county has burned around 79,000 acres of land and is yet to be contained.

Large parts of California are in the midst of prolonged hot temperatures, with Fresno topping Monday's charts with highs of 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). The heat had driven up power use in the state. Pacific Gas & Electric, the state's largest utility serving customers in Central and Northern California, warned that it might cut power starting Tuesday because of the increased danger from fires.

On Sunday, California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency in five counties.