Truthdig’s hometown is surrounded by wildfires, and although we were closely observing the developing situation, we were surprised to see the world react with such intense interest. It seems everyone from Pravda to the BBC has tuned in to watch movie stars’ homes being threatened by the flames.

In case you aren’t already up to speed, seven Southern California counties are struggling against fierce and unpredictable blazes driven by dry, hot winds.

On a personal note, our thanks go out to the firefighters who are battling this disaster and our thoughts are with the quarter of a million people who have been evacuated from their homes.


BBC:

California has evacuated a quarter of a million people as fierce winds fan wildfires in the Los Angeles region from San Diego up to Santa Barbara.

At least one person has died and thousands of homes are at risk in seven counties where fires have scorched some 200,000 acres (81,000 hectares).

About 1,500 National Guardsmen have been brought in to help fire-fighters.

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