Heat wave breaks records across US
An exceptional late-season heat wave is scorching parts of US regions with record-breaking temperatures expected to last into the weekend.
Firefighters have continued to contain the blazing wildfires in Southern California, while some evacuation orders have been lifted for residents.
The Saddleridge Fire in Los Angeles County, the largest in Southern California, has scorched 7,552 acres and was 19 per cent contained, according to an update of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) on Saturday.
The fire has destroyed 31 structures. More than 1,000 firefighters have been battling the flames and about 100,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes, Xinhua news agency quoted the LAFD as saying.
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The fire caused one civilian death who suffered cardiac arrest and died at the hospital, and two minor injuries of firefighters said the LAFD.
All evacuation orders have been lifted in the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s jurisdiction.
Officials are allowing some residents under mandatory evacuation to go home and retrieve essential items, but only under police escort.
The US National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings for Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Gusty offshore winds and very low humidity are increasing the risk of fires spreading.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District requested residents to protect themselves from heavy smoke and unhealthy air conditions.
The Saddleridge Fire is one of the several blazes in Southern California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties on Friday due to the effects of several fires, including the Saddleridge, Eagle, Sandalwood, Reche, and Wolf fires.
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