California wildfire forces 80,000 to evacuate

A wildfire ripping through rural communities outside Los Angeles triggered evacuation orders for more than 80,000 people after it unleashed fire tornados.

Fanned by strong winds and 37C temperatures, the so-called Blue Cut fire flared 97km east of Los Angeles on Tuesday, scorching 9,000 acres.

California’s governor, Jerry Brown, declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino county on Tuesday and the Red Cross set up emergency shelters for evacuees, including one for animals.

“There is imminent threat to public safety, rail traffic and structures. Please follow the evacuation instructions, as this is a very quickly growing wildfire,” said the state incident information system. “An estimated 34,500 homes and 82,640 people are being affected by the evacuation warnings.”

According to the Guardian, the fire blazed out of control despite efforts by 700 firefighters backed by 57 engines and 10 air tankers.

The flames reportedly trapped six firefighters who were defending homes in Swarthout Canyon. They found shelter but two suffered minor injuries, officials said.