California's lightning-sparked infernos are torching wide swaths of the state, killing a utility worker, demolishing homes and forcing people to evacuate in the sweltering heat during a pandemic.
More than 500,000 acres -- equivalent to almost 80 per cent of the land in Rhode Island -- have burned, fire officials said.
Evacuation orders have affected thousands of people in Northern California.
IMAGE: A burning home is seen along Cherry Glen Road during the LNU Lighting Complex Fire on the outskirts of Vacaville, California. The LNU Lightning Complex Fire is actually a cluster of blazes that have destroyed 105 structures. Photograph: Stephen Lam/Reuters
IMAGE: Vehicles are seen along Interstate 80 as flames from the LNU Lighting Complex Fire are seen on both sides on the outskirts of Vacaville, California. More than 49,000 people in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties have evacuated because of the fires. In fact, fire officials have said they don't have an exact number on how many people have been told to leave their homes throughout the state. Photograph: Stephen Lam/Reuters
IMAGE: Pacific Gas and Electric firefighters extinguish spot fires as the LNU Lightning Complex fire burns through the area in Fairfield, California. According to officials, as of Thursday morning, it was 0 per cent contained. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
IMAGE: A pickup truck drives on a freeway overpass as flames from the LNU Lighting Complex Fire approach Interstate 80 on the outskirts of Vacaville, California. Photograph: Stephen Lam/Reuters
IMAGE: An alpaca sits next to a burned out truck after the LNU Lightning Complex fire moved through the area. The LNU Lightning Complex fire is spread over 5 counties. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
IMAGE: A burned vehicle is seen along Pleasant Valley Road during the LNU Lighting Complex Fire on the outskirts of Vacaville, California. Photograph: Stephen Lam/Reuters
