News / Society

Over 10,000 firefighters battling California wildfires

Tuesday, 23 August 2016 1:48 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 23 August 2016 1:51 PM ]

US firefighters keep watching blazes on August 18, 2016 near Wrightwood, California. (AFP photo)

Tens of thousands of firefighters are battling raging wildfires in the US state of California, with fire departments across the state complaining of short-handedness amid an emergency crisis alert.

More than 10,000 firefighters are spread across California to fight the huge blaze that covers about a third of the state, amounting to more than 48,000 square miles (124,319 km) spanning from California’s Central Coast to Sierra Nevada forests.

Since erupting on August 13, the blaze, known as the Chimney Fire, has burnt nearly 32,000 acres (12,950 hectares) and destroyed 48 structures, including 34 dwellings.

This photo taken on August 17, 2016 shows a helicopter making a water drop at the wildfire in Phelan, California. (AFP)

The fire, which is 20 percent contained, caused the closure of campgrounds and recreation areas. A nearby fire is threatening some 1,900 structures in San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties with hundreds of people ordered to evacuate their homes.

California’s fire department has expressed concern over bringing the situation under control as the fire is advancing towards neighboring areas at a high speed.

"We're short-staffed, we're stretched thin, we're in these epidemic fire conditions," said Patrick Walker, a California Fire Brigade captain in San Diego County.

A US resident inspects damage caused by fire to his house in Lower Lake, California, on August 16, 2016. (AFP)

Authorities have also ordered the temporary closure of the iconic Hearst Castle, also known as San Simeon, which is one of the most recognizable landmarks in California.

The California Parks and Recreation Department said the castle, a state-designated "historical monument" that hosts nearly 800,000 visitors a year, would be kept closed through August 28 due to the proximity of the wildfire.