Californian wildfires are a national emergency

Lightning storms have caused 585 fires in California in the last week alone. Nearly a million acres of land has been burnt, with more areas at risk as strong winds are forecasted which will spread the fires into more populated areas.

Most of the damage has occurred from 3 large fires in mountainous regions which has had a significant impact on the natural redwood trees of the area. Many trees of over 100 metres tall, which had been growing for over 2000 years have been destroyed. The human toll is also high with many homes and businesses destroyed and many more threatened in the upcoming days. With 6 deaths, 43 injuries and thousands evacuated, the impact on people in a state already suffering hugely from the coronavirus pandemic is set to get worse.

This major emergency is likely to continue. Check out the following report:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-53877958