California hit by wildfire

Updated 10.03 Tue Jun 26 2007

Keywords: California, Lake Tahoe

Firefighters have been tackling a large wildfire in California near the popular resort of Lake Tahoe.

The fire has engulfed 2,500 acres and destroyed more than 200 homes since it broke out on Sunday.

The fire has engulfed 2,500 acres and destroyed more than 200 homes since it broke out on Sunday

Around 700 firefighters have been battling the blaze, which has been fanned by high winds. But they now believe 40 per cent of the fire is under control.

It is thought 1,000 residents have fled blinding ash and suffocating heat under mandatory evacuation orders. No injuries have been reported.

In Sacramento, Lt Gov John Garamendi, acting in place of Governor Schwarzenegger who is in London, declared a state of emergency for El Dorado County, allowing the state to help cover the costs of fighting the fire.

The Lake Tahoe fire came as California prepared for a tough fire season after an unusually dry winter.

As fire crews battled the Lake Tahoe blaze, a 6,000-acre fire 80 miles north of Los Angeles forced numerous evacuations.