WEB DESK
A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles as the city battles the worst wildfire in its history.
Hundreds of homes have been evacuated around the Glendale and Burbank suburbs. The fires, covering about 5,000 acres, started in La Tuna Canyon on Friday and have sent plumes of smoke over the city. At least three homes have already been destroyed and a major road, the 210 Freeway, closed.
Mayor Eric Garcetti declared an emergency on Saturday night and a further emergency order was made by California Governor Jerry Brown yesterday. The declarations allow state and federal funds to be provided as soon as possible.
“We’ve turned the corner, but this is not over,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said on Sunday as he warned of “strong” winds.
At least three homes have been destroyed and four people are reported to have been injured.
The evacuations around the Glendale and Burbank suburbs were lifted on Sunday as rain and cooler temperatures helped firefighters to tackle the blaze, the Los Angeles Fire Department tweeted.
Rain and easing temperatures helped 1,000 firefighters battle the La Tuna Fire in Los Angeles on Sunday
Officials gained the upper hand but have warned that danger remains given strong winds have the potential to spread the fire
The nearly 5,900-acre wildfire has destroyed three homes and damaged one
More than 700 homes were evacuated as the blaze tore through thick brush that has not burned in decades
Fire crews were also battling to protect more than 100 giant sequoias from a wildfire in Yosemite National Park on Sunday
The declaration, which frees up resources to battle the flames, came the same day the National Weather Service says the temperature at Los Angeles International Airport reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit, breaking an all-time record.
Fire crews were hoping to take advantage of calm winds as they struggled to surround a blaze threatening foothill neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Fire Captain Ralph Terrazas says crews are getting a break Sunday from higher humidity and temperatures that have inched down into the 90s.
Meanwhile officials issued an alert for poor air quality as smoke choked the area and ash rained down across the LA basin.
Firefighters battling a wildfire near Yosemite National Park are working to safeguard a 2,700-year-old grove of giant sequoia and a pair of historic cabins inside it.
The nine-square-mile wildfire entered the Nelder Grove late Friday night.