Change in weather hoped to help burning California
It is hoped that lower temperatures and light rain will aid firefighters who are struggling to control enormous wildfires blazing across Southern California.
The fires have been raging across the American state for over a week, killing at least 18 people and destroying over 2,000 homes.
Over 500,000 acres of land have been burned and President Bush has declared the area a disaster zone, pledging assistance from the federal government.
Yesterday the fires were burning largely out of control and the authorities were increasingly worried that they would reach heavily populated areas. But they are more hopeful now as temperatures have dropped about 10 degrees and the famously dry Santa Ana winds have given way to more moist costal winds.
Out of nine fires, only two are considered to be ‘under control’ and despite aeroplanes and specially adapted helicopters pouring millions of gallons of water they have been spreading far faster than fire fighters can tackle them.
The fires are having a severe affect on the air quality in California, with many schools and shops shut and people advised to stay in their houses.
