Southern California Wildfires Devastate Communities and Force Mass Evacuations

Southern California wildfires have torched mountain homes, ravaged a ski resort, and led to mass evacuations in suburbs east of Los Angeles. Fires have spread across over 105,000 acres of land. The state of emergency has been declared as the fires were fueled by dry conditions and gusting winds attributed to climate change.

Southern California wildfires have wreaked havoc on mountain communities, destroying homes and scorching a ski resort, prompting mass evacuations in suburbs east of Los Angeles. The Bridge Fire in San Bernardino County alone has expanded to more than 47,000 acres.

The fires represent the most significant of three major blazes currently ravaging the area. Collectively, they've blackened over 105,000 acres of scrub, brush, and forest land, which is roughly equivalent to a third of Los Angeles's size. The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has devastated homes in El Cariso Village and Decker Canyon, covering 22,000 acres, according to local authorities.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and secured federal aid to battle the fires, which are exacerbated by tinder-dry conditions and strong winds during a severe heatwave linked to climate change. The fires have led to a dozen reported injuries and forced school closures across at least 10 districts due to poor air quality.

(With inputs from agencies.)