In the US, firefighters continue to battle massive wildfires raging across the western States. The fire has affected four counties – Butte, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama. 542 structures are reported destroyed and 50 damaged in Butte and Tehama counties. About 4,000 people have been evacuated. No casualty has been reported so far. More than 4,000 personnel, supported by 41 helicopters, 542 engines, 180 dozers, and 148 water tenders, continue to battle the blaze.

This year’s fire has hit California particularly hard. The state has experienced a staggering 2,905 per cent increase in burned acreage compared to last year, as 768,137 acres have been consumed by wildfires.