California fires
California fires
27 October 2006
published by news.bbc.co.uk
A forest fire has spread across thousands of acres in thedesert area around Palm Springs in California.
The blaze, which was exacerbated by dry conditions and hightemperatures, is believed to have been started by arsonists.
More than 700 firefighters arrived at the scene and hundredsof residents were evacuated.
Four firefighters were killed when flames engulfed them asthey tried to protect a house in the area.
A $100,000 (£52,000) reward has been offered for informationleading to the arrest of those responsible.
The weather service has issued a red flag warning for extremefire danger in the next few days.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to thefirefighters who died and said Californians were heartbroken.
