AHN - Inferno Continues, High Winds Thwart Efforts To Control California Fires

Dave Kaiser - AHN San Bernardino, Calif. (AHN) Thousands of federal, state and volunteer firefighters are spending July Fourth battling an array of California wildfires. Authorities have cautioned residents across the state to use care during holiday activities to keep barbecues under control and avoid using fireworks. Fires are blazing east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino, where authorities have established a command center at the Earl Warren Showgrounds and are concentrating on battling the inferno from the air using helicopters. Firefighting efforts have been hindered by dense foliage, high temperatures and high winds. By 10 p.m. Thursday more than 3,000 acres had burnt and the fire raged on unchecked. Efforts to control the fire's size were thwarted by wind gusts that peaked at around 30 mph, fanning the flames. Bill... [read full story]