California wildfires: 50,000 flee as blaze spreads with “zero containment” – Latest updates

California wildfires: 50,000 flee as blaze spreads with “zero containment” – Latest updates

The wildfires raging in California have reached unprecedented levels, with firefighters struggling to contain the flames despite their best efforts. Authorities have issued warnings that the fires have reached “zero per cent containment”, leaving thousands of residents in a state of emergency.

The sheer magnitude of the wildfires has stretched the resources of the fire department to the limit, with the biggest wildfire in Los Angeles history proving to be a formidable opponent. Harsh winds and a scarcity of water have only served to exacerbate the situation, making it difficult for firefighters to gain the upper hand.

As a result, around 50,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, forsaking their belongings and memories as they seek safety from the encroaching flames. Some of California’s most affluent neighborhoods have already succumbed to the fires, leaving devastation in their wake.

With Reeta Chakrabarti at the helm of BBC News at Ten, reporters Emma Vardy and Justin Rowlatt provide firsthand accounts of the unfolding disaster in California. The fires show no sign of abating, leaving residents and firefighters alike on edge as they wait for a resolution to this catastrophic event.

For more updates on the California wildfires and other news stories, visit www.bbc.com/news.

Watch the video by BBC News

Video “California wildfires latest: 50,000 flee as blaze spreads with “zero containment” BBC News” was uploaded on 01/09/2025 to Youtube Channel BBC News