Raging Wildfires Devastate Southern California: Thousands Evacuate

Three major wildfires in Southern California have devastated homes, destroyed property, and forced thousands to evacuate. The most significant, the Bridge Fire, has burned over 48,000 acres. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, as firefighters struggle to contain the blazes amid severe heat and gusty winds.

Three major wildfires have ravaged Southern California, destroying dozens of homes, impacting a ski resort, and forcing thousands to flee their homes in towns and cities east of Los Angeles. Approximately 40 homes and cabins were consumed by flames in the villages of Mount Baldy and Wrightwood, while fires damaged lifts at the nearby Mountain High ski resort, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The largest, known as the Bridge Fire in San Bernardino County, has swelled to over 48,000 acres in just 48 hours, making it the state's largest wildfire. By Wednesday afternoon, fires had burned more than 105,000 acres of land, equal to a third of Los Angeles. "In recent history, this is the fire that has been the most dramatic over a single day period," stated LAFD spokesman Fred Fielding.

The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties has also been destructive, claiming dozens of homes in El Cariso Village and Decker Canyon and expanding to over 22,000 acres. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and announced the acquisition of federal funds to help combat the blazes. The fires, driven by tinder-dry conditions and strong winds amid a severe heatwave attributed to climate change, have resulted in injuries to numerous civilians and firefighters. Cooler temperatures are anticipated later in the week.

(With inputs from agencies.)