美国加州大火越烧越猛

Northern California's wildfires have destroyed 500 structures, and officials say 5,000 more are being threatened by the massive blaze.

Two firefighters have died combating the so-called Carr Fire.

Tens of thousands of people fled for their lives as the inferno reached the city of Redding, home to more than 90,000 people.

The fire has scorched upwards of 17,000 hectares of land, the state's forestry and fire protection department (Cal Fire) said.

Tourists and hikers whose vacation plans included visiting Yosemite National Park are

making other plans because of the raging Ferguson Fire. The park has been closed since July 25 and is not expected to re-open until August 3.

Park officials say at least 1,000 campground and hotel bookings have been canceled.

The winds fanning the flames of the fire in Northern California have been so strong in some areas that trees have been uprooted.

In Southern California, a fire, believed to be caused by arson, has forced some 12,000 residents of the town of Idyllwild to evacuate. Authorities have arrested a suspect in the fire.

Governor Jerry Brown has declared states of emergency for areas on both ends of the state. His request for federal emergency assistance said the aid was needed to prevent an "imminent catastrophe."