Firefighters make progress against California blazes

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Firefighters made progress against raging fires in northern California Wednesday as state Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said more than 700 blazes remained alight across the region.

Schwarzenegger told reporters in Big Sur, south of San Francisco, that more than 149,000 acres (60,300 hectares) had been scorched so far, destroying nearly 40 structures and forcing the evacuation of more than 900 people.

A total of 7,000 firefighters, 536 engines and more than 50 aircraft had been deployed to pummel the flames, many of which were triggered last week when lightning from thunderstorms struck tinder-dry forest land.

"There's still 700 fires left all over the state of California. You get stretched thin with the resources," Schwarzenegger said....