A firework at a gender reveal party sparked a wildfire in California that has burned more than 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) of land and caused several residents to leave their homes, the fire department on Sunday said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-wildfires-military-helicopters-used-to-rescue-over-200-people-325619">California wildfires: Military helicopters used to rescue over 200 people</a>

"CAL FIRE Law Enforcement has determined the El Dorado Fire, burning near Oak Glen in San Bernardino County, was caused by a smoke generating pyrotechnic device, used during a gender reveal party," Cal Fire, the official account of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said on Twitter.

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They also said over 500 firefighters and four choppers are deployed to abate the fire in El Dorado, east of San Bernardino, which was started early on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially and criminally responsible," the state fire services said.&nbsp;

Gender reveal parties are organised during pregnancy to ascertain the sex of the to-be born child, where pink and blue smoke fireworks often take place.&nbsp;

Earlier, on Sunday, over 200 people who were trapped in fires in northern California were airlifted with the help of helicopters by the California National Guard.&nbsp;

High temperatures and dry conditions have led to massive fires in the US state this season, which destroyed 1.6 million acres of land.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service on Sunday said that a record 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) was recorded on Sunday in Woodland Hills, highest-ever for Los Angeles county. &nbsp;

A firework at a gender reveal party sparked a wildfire in California that has burned more than 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) of land and caused several residents to leave their homes, the fire department on Sunday said.

A firework at a gender reveal party sparked a wildfire in California that has burned more than 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) of land and caused several residents to leave their homes, the fire department on Sunday said. Also read | California wildfires: Military helicopters used to rescue over 200 people "CAL FIRE Law Enforcement has determined the El Dorado Fire, burning near Oak Glen in San Bernardino County, was caused by a smoke generating pyrotechnic device, used during a gender reveal party," Cal Fire, the official account of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said on Twitter. In pics | California braces for record-breaking heat wave on Labour Day weekend They also said over 500 firefighters and four choppers are deployed to abate the fire in El Dorado, east of San Bernardino, which was started early on Saturday. "Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially and criminally responsible," the state fire services said. Gender reveal parties are organised during pregnancy to ascertain the sex of the to-be born child, where pink and blue smoke fireworks often take place. Earlier, on Sunday, over 200 people who were trapped in fires in northern California were airlifted with the help of helicopters by the California National Guard. High temperatures and dry conditions have led to massive fires in the US state this season, which destroyed 1.6 million acres of land. The National Weather Service on Sunday said that a record 121 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius) was recorded on Sunday in Woodland Hills, highest-ever for Los Angeles county.

California: Gender reveal party sparks fire that burned 7,000 acres of land

US state California continues to battle wildfire that has forced thousands to evacuate. The firefighters are struggling to contain blaze. Several areas have reported power outages as the fire damaged transformers.

Wildfire in the US state forces thousands to evacuate

The US state with the highest number of COVID-19 cases - California may have brought relief to its wild animals.

Over the weekend, California became the only US state to surpass 700,000 cases of COVID-19. Even though this is harrowing news for humans, it is a reprieve for its wild animals.

A new study claims that coronavirus-induced lockdown in the state has&nbsp;saved a lot of lives. Owing to the stay-at-home orders, people were not driving their vehicles, which resulted in way fewer collisions and consequentially lesser deaths.

In the US, the major victims of collisions include deer, mountain lions, and other large animals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/about-3-billion-animals-harmed-in-australian-bushfires-says-wwf-316479" hreflang="en">About 3 billion animals harmed in Australian bushfires, says WWF</a>

A study, which was undertaken by the Road Ecology Center at the University of California found that traffic declined by 75 per cent in the aftermath of imposition of lockdown in the state, which was largely rolled out beginning March.

The report also brings to light the major decrease in the number of fatalities reported since the restrictions were imposed. A 58 per cent decrease was noted in the number of fatal crashes involving mountain lions. This conclusion was reached by comparing data 10 weeks before the restrictions were in place, and 10 weeks after.

The Center is rolling out multiple reports to assess the impact of stay-at-home orders on traffic patterns. They are also tracking the usage of fuel, and climate change, among many.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/chinas-candidate-coronavirus-vaccine-bbibp-corv-displays-promising-results-in-animals-human-trials-underway-304805" hreflang="en">China's candidate coronavirus vaccine 'BBIBP-CorV' displays promising results in animals, human trials underway</a>

Additionally, researchers found how the daily fatalities of animals declined by 21 per cent in the aftermath of the lockdown. Earlier, 8.4 large animals were killed everyday as opposed to the 6.6 animals after the imposition of restrictions.

To add weight to their research, the authors studied data from the last five years and found no similar patterns of decline in the number of fatalities, suggesting how it was a direct consequence of the restrictions.

The US state with the highest number of COVID-19 cases - California may have brought relief to its wild animals. Over the weekend, California became the only US state to surpass 700,000 cases of COVID-19.

The US state with the highest number of COVID-19 cases - California may have brought relief to its wild animals. Over the weekend, California became the only US state to surpass 700,000 cases of COVID-19. Even though this is harrowing news for humans, it is a reprieve for its wild animals. A new study claims that coronavirus-induced lockdown in the state has saved a lot of lives. Owing to the stay-at-home orders, people were not driving their vehicles, which resulted in way fewer collisions and consequentially lesser deaths. In the US, the major victims of collisions include deer, mountain lions, and other large animals. Also read: About 3 billion animals harmed in Australian bushfires, says WWF A study, which was undertaken by the Road Ecology Center at the University of California found that traffic declined by 75 per cent in the aftermath of imposition of lockdown in the state, which was largely rolled out beginning March. The report also brings to light the major decrease in the number of fatalities reported since the restrictions were imposed. A 58 per cent decrease was noted in the number of fatal crashes involving mountain lions. This conclusion was reached by comparing data 10 weeks before the restrictions were in place, and 10 weeks after. The Center is rolling out multiple reports to assess the impact of stay-at-home orders on traffic patterns. They are also tracking the usage of fuel, and climate change, among many. Also read: China's candidate coronavirus vaccine 'BBIBP-CorV' displays promising results in animals, human trials underway Additionally, researchers found how the daily fatalities of animals declined by 21 per cent in the aftermath of the lockdown. Earlier, 8.4 large animals were killed everyday as opposed to the 6.6 animals after the imposition of restrictions. To add weight to their research, the authors studied data from the last five years and found no similar patterns of decline in the number of fatalities, suggesting how it was a direct consequence of the restrictions.

Fatal crashes including wild animals dipped by over 50% due to coronavirus restrictions, says study

The United States of America has arrested 2 Chinese researchers. Both researchers have been charged with data theft of trade secrets. Arrests have been made in Virginia & California.

2 Chinese researchers charged with data theft of trade secrets in US

Dry thunderstorms spark massive fires in California; close to a million acres burnt

The uncertainty and potential loss of his life's work keep Vince Bernard up at night. At Bernard Ranches in Riverside, California the citrus grower saw more than 3,000 boxes of oranges rot when the coronavirus pandemic forced schools and restaurants to close back in March. The loss translated into $36,000.

"I can't bear to see the trees suffer:" a citrus farmer's cry for help amid pandemic

Two of the three largest wildfires ever recorded in California have scorched through more than 1m acres, displaced more than 100,000 people

California wildfire death toll up to seven; Scorched over 1 Mn acres

Raging wildfires have wreaked havoc in California as they have burned nearly one million acres in a week and destroyed hundreds of homes. The weekend weather, in addition, threatened to spark new fires and overwhelm the state's firefighting ability.

Wildfires continue to rage in California, at least 6 dead

A former California police officer who lived a double life as the "Golden State Killer" was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for a string of 1970s and `80s murders and rapes that were solved through the use of public genealogy websites.

A Sacramento County judge granted prosecutors` request that Joseph James DeAngelo, 74, serve life in prison without the possibility of parole following emotional statements from victims or their family members in open court.

A seemingly frail DeAngelo showed no emotion during the nearly two-hour sentencing, held in a makeshift courtroom inside a ballroom at Sacramento State University so that victims and family members could spread out amid the coronavirus pandemic.

When given the opportunity to speak, DeAngelo slowly rose from a wheelchair, took off a mask, looked around at surviving victims and relatives of those he murdered and said: "I`ve listened to all your statements. Each one of them.

And I`m really sorry to everyone I`ve hurt."

Prosecutors afterward said they did not think DeAngelo`s apology was sincere. They also showed video of him in his jail cell, climbing on a desk and standing on one leg while cleaning, which they said proved he did not need to use a wheelchair.

In June, DeAngelo confessed to 13 murders and 13 rape-related charges for crimes carried out between 1975 and 1986 as part of a plea deal with prosecutors sparing him from a potential death sentence.

DeAngelo, whom a prosecutor on Friday called a bogeyman who haunted California for decades, also publicly admitted to dozens more rapes for which the statute of limitations had expired. Prosecutors said he invaded 120 homes across 11 counties during his crime spree.

The identity of the Golden State Killer remained a mystery, his crimes unsolved, for decades until DeAngelo`s arrest in Sacramento County on April 24, 2018.

Investigators tied DeAngelo to the crimes using a then-novel technique of tracing him through family DNA from commercial genealogy websites.

NO MERCY

Prosecutors from counties where he carried out his crimes told Judge Michael Bowman that he deserved no mercy.

"Over four decades - that`s a long time to wait for justice," said Diana Becton, the Contra Costa County District Attorney, where some of DeAngelo`s crimes occurred.

Bowman said he had no power to determine what type of prison DeAngelo is sent to.

"But the survivors have spoken clearly - the defendant deserves no mercy," he said, as those in the courtroom burst into loud applause.

Courtney Strouse`s mother was raped by DeAngelo in the 1970s, and until her death in 2016 she awoke repeatedly during the nights to check on her children and make sure all doors and windows were locked, Strouse said.

Strouse said she had learned to live in constant fear, but that Friday`s sentencing brought some relief.

"It`s nice to have the bogeyman gone," she said. "It`s like a fable you`re told all your life about the bogeyman and now he`s gone."

A former California police officer who lived a double life as the "Golden State Killer" was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for a string of 1970s and `80s murders and rapes that were solved through the use of public genealogy websites.

A former California police officer who lived a double life as the "Golden State Killer" was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for a string of 1970s and `80s murders and rapes that were solved through the use of public genealogy websites. A Sacramento County judge granted prosecutors` request that Joseph James DeAngelo, 74, serve life in prison without the possibility of parole following emotional statements from victims or their family members in open court. A seemingly frail DeAngelo showed no emotion during the nearly two-hour sentencing, held in a makeshift courtroom inside a ballroom at Sacramento State University so that victims and family members could spread out amid the coronavirus pandemic. When given the opportunity to speak, DeAngelo slowly rose from a wheelchair, took off a mask, looked around at surviving victims and relatives of those he murdered and said: "I`ve listened to all your statements. Each one of them. And I`m really sorry to everyone I`ve hurt." Prosecutors afterward said they did not think DeAngelo`s apology was sincere. They also showed video of him in his jail cell, climbing on a desk and standing on one leg while cleaning, which they said proved he did not need to use a wheelchair. In June, DeAngelo confessed to 13 murders and 13 rape-related charges for crimes carried out between 1975 and 1986 as part of a plea deal with prosecutors sparing him from a potential death sentence. DeAngelo, whom a prosecutor on Friday called a bogeyman who haunted California for decades, also publicly admitted to dozens more rapes for which the statute of limitations had expired. Prosecutors said he invaded 120 homes across 11 counties during his crime spree. The identity of the Golden State Killer remained a mystery, his crimes unsolved, for decades until DeAngelo`s arrest in Sacramento County on April 24, 2018. Investigators tied DeAngelo to the crimes using a then-novel technique of tracing him through family DNA from commercial genealogy websites. NO MERCY Prosecutors from counties where he carried out his crimes told Judge Michael Bowman that he deserved no mercy. "Over four decades - that`s a long time to wait for justice," said Diana Becton, the Contra Costa County District Attorney, where some of DeAngelo`s crimes occurred. Bowman said he had no power to determine what type of prison DeAngelo is sent to. "But the survivors have spoken clearly - the defendant deserves no mercy," he said, as those in the courtroom burst into loud applause. Courtney Strouse`s mother was raped by DeAngelo in the 1970s, and until her death in 2016 she awoke repeatedly during the nights to check on her children and make sure all doors and windows were locked, Strouse said. Strouse said she had learned to live in constant fear, but that Friday`s sentencing brought some relief. "It`s nice to have the bogeyman gone," she said. "It`s like a fable you`re told all your life about the bogeyman and now he`s gone."

California's 'Golden State Killer' sentenced to life in prison

California`s lightning-sparked wildfires more than doubled in size into some of the largest in state history on Friday, forcing over 175,000 people to flee their homes.

At least six people have died, 43 fire fighters and civilians have been injured, and over 500 homes and other structures destroyed as one fire burned within a mile of the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) campus.

Firefighting forces were depleted from over 370 fires and so far only 45 of 375 out-of-state fire crews requested by California had arrived, said a spokeswoman for wildfire authority Cal Fire.

The state has been hit by its worst dry-lightning storms in nearly two decades. Over 11,000 strikes have sent fire racing through grassland and forest parched by record-breaking heat.

Most of the fires are in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a complex of blazes east of Palo Alto and another in wine country south of Sacramento now the seventh and tenth largest in state history, respectively, according to Cal Fire.

"The fire continues to advance, and much of what will happen next depends on weather conditions such as wind direction and speed," UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive wrote in a tweet, after ordering the evacuation of the campus, which is located in hills around three miles (4.8 km) northwest of coastal city Santa Cruz`s boardwalk.

"We`re still understaffed for a fire of this size," said Daniel Potter, a Cal Fire spokesman, in reference to the Santa Cruz blaze, which has forced 64,000 people to evacuate from vulnerable towns where houses are built amongst the trees.

One of those is Felton, a community of 4,000, where some stayed behind to defend homes after fire torched houses and California`s oldest state park to the north, a Reuters photographer said.

Around 1,000 firefighters in the area fought multiple fires blown in shifting directions by erratic winds as propane tanks and ammunition stores exploded in homes, he said.

In the North Bay Area, four people died in a cluster of fires that have destroyed over 480 homes and structures in wine counties such as Napa, Solano and Sonoma, Cal Fire reported.

A utility crewman died on Wednesday while on duty helping clear electrical hazards for first-responders at the same fire, dubbed the LNU Complex. Earlier that day, the pilot of a firefighting helicopter contracted by the state was killed in a crash in Fresno County.

The largest fire, known as the SCU Complex, east of Palo Alto, more than doubled in size from Thursday to around 230,000 acres or 359 square miles, an area approaching the size of New York City.

California`s lightning-sparked wildfires more than doubled in size into some of the largest in state history on Friday, forcing over 175,000 people to flee their homes.

California`s lightning-sparked wildfires more than doubled in size into some of the largest in state history on Friday, forcing over 175,000 people to flee their homes. At least six people have died, 43 fire fighters and civilians have been injured, and over 500 homes and other structures destroyed as one fire burned within a mile of the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) campus. Firefighting forces were depleted from over 370 fires and so far only 45 of 375 out-of-state fire crews requested by California had arrived, said a spokeswoman for wildfire authority Cal Fire. The state has been hit by its worst dry-lightning storms in nearly two decades. Over 11,000 strikes have sent fire racing through grassland and forest parched by record-breaking heat. Most of the fires are in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a complex of blazes east of Palo Alto and another in wine country south of Sacramento now the seventh and tenth largest in state history, respectively, according to Cal Fire. "The fire continues to advance, and much of what will happen next depends on weather conditions such as wind direction and speed," UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive wrote in a tweet, after ordering the evacuation of the campus, which is located in hills around three miles (4.8 km) northwest of coastal city Santa Cruz`s boardwalk. "We`re still understaffed for a fire of this size," said Daniel Potter, a Cal Fire spokesman, in reference to the Santa Cruz blaze, which has forced 64,000 people to evacuate from vulnerable towns where houses are built amongst the trees. One of those is Felton, a community of 4,000, where some stayed behind to defend homes after fire torched houses and California`s oldest state park to the north, a Reuters photographer said. Around 1,000 firefighters in the area fought multiple fires blown in shifting directions by erratic winds as propane tanks and ammunition stores exploded in homes, he said. In the North Bay Area, four people died in a cluster of fires that have destroyed over 480 homes and structures in wine counties such as Napa, Solano and Sonoma, Cal Fire reported. A utility crewman died on Wednesday while on duty helping clear electrical hazards for first-responders at the same fire, dubbed the LNU Complex. Earlier that day, the pilot of a firefighting helicopter contracted by the state was killed in a crash in Fresno County. The largest fire, known as the SCU Complex, east of Palo Alto, more than doubled in size from Thursday to around 230,000 acres or 359 square miles, an area approaching the size of New York City.

California fires double in size, flames approach university campus

Dozens of lightning-sparked California wildfires grew rapidly on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate homes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

California has been hit by its worst lightning storms in nearly two decades, with around 11,000 strikes igniting over 370 fires this week and stretching firefighting resources to the limit, authorities said.

At least nine fires raced through hills and mountains in the North Bay's wine country about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Sacramento, destroying over 105 homes and other structures.

Together they have doubled in size to 131,000 acres (53,000-hectares) since Wednesday, forming a "megafire" 10 times larger than New York's Manhattan Island across Napa, Yolo, Solano and two other counties.

Collectively known as the LNU Complex Fire, they sent wind-driven flames racing 120 feet a minute across grassland parched by record-breaking, triple-digit heat, according to fire authority Cal Fire.

"It's the scariest thing I've ever seen, the heat, and it came so fast," said Fairfield evacuee Stacy Kline.

A Vacaville PG&amp;E utility worker died on Wednesday helping first responders, and at least four civilians were injured, according to a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) spokeswoman.

In central California a firefighting helicopter crashed in Fresno County about 160 miles (260 km) south of San Francisco on Wednesday, killing contract pilot Mike Fournier, 52, a former TV helicopter pilot and high school football coach, his family said.

South of San Francisco, a cluster of lightning-strike fires doubled in size to 40,000 acres in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties around 13 miles south of Palo Alto, injuring three first responders, forcing 22,000 to evacuate and destroying 20 structures, CalFire said.

Another group of 20 fires, called the SCU Lightning Complex, jumped by nearly a third to around 140,000 acres on Thursday some 20 miles east of Palo Alto across four counties, injuring two first responders.

California has warmed 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the beginning of the 20th century, and higher temperatures are blamed for longer and more intense fire seasons that have caused eight of its 10 largest wildfires in the last 15 years.

Governor Gavin Newsom requested 375 fire crews from out of state as resources ran thin, in part as prisoners normally conscripted into firefighting were locked down for COVID-19 or released from prison to slow the spread of the virus.

To the east in drought-stricken Colorado, the state's second-largest wildfire in history grew slightly to 121,781 acres, containment ticking up to 14 percent as it burned in remote mountains near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver.

Dozens of lightning-sparked California wildfires grew rapidly on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. California has been hit by its worst lightning storms in nearly two decades, with around 11,000 strikes igniting over 370 fires this week and stretching firefighting resources to the limit, authorities said.

Dozens of lightning-sparked California wildfires grew rapidly on Thursday, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. California has been hit by its worst lightning storms in nearly two decades, with around 11,000 strikes igniting over 370 fires this week and stretching firefighting resources to the limit, authorities said. At least nine fires raced through hills and mountains in the North Bay's wine country about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Sacramento, destroying over 105 homes and other structures. Together they have doubled in size to 131,000 acres (53,000-hectares) since Wednesday, forming a "megafire" 10 times larger than New York's Manhattan Island across Napa, Yolo, Solano and two other counties. Collectively known as the LNU Complex Fire, they sent wind-driven flames racing 120 feet a minute across grassland parched by record-breaking, triple-digit heat, according to fire authority Cal Fire. "It's the scariest thing I've ever seen, the heat, and it came so fast," said Fairfield evacuee Stacy Kline. A Vacaville PG&E utility worker died on Wednesday helping first responders, and at least four civilians were injured, according to a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) spokeswoman. In central California a firefighting helicopter crashed in Fresno County about 160 miles (260 km) south of San Francisco on Wednesday, killing contract pilot Mike Fournier, 52, a former TV helicopter pilot and high school football coach, his family said. South of San Francisco, a cluster of lightning-strike fires doubled in size to 40,000 acres in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties around 13 miles south of Palo Alto, injuring three first responders, forcing 22,000 to evacuate and destroying 20 structures, CalFire said. Another group of 20 fires, called the SCU Lightning Complex, jumped by nearly a third to around 140,000 acres on Thursday some 20 miles east of Palo Alto across four counties, injuring two first responders. California has warmed 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the beginning of the 20th century, and higher temperatures are blamed for longer and more intense fire seasons that have caused eight of its 10 largest wildfires in the last 15 years. Governor Gavin Newsom requested 375 fire crews from out of state as resources ran thin, in part as prisoners normally conscripted into firefighting were locked down for COVID-19 or released from prison to slow the spread of the virus. To the east in drought-stricken Colorado, the state's second-largest wildfire in history grew slightly to 121,781 acres, containment ticking up to 14 percent as it burned in remote mountains near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver.

Thousands evacuated as California wildfires double in size

As the LNU Lightning Complex fire near Vacaville, California, expanded rapidly overnight. There were 10,489 lightning strikes in California in the last 72 hours. More than 100,000 evacuated in Vacaville.

LNU lightning complex fire spreads across California

What could be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth - 130F (54.4C) - may have been reached in Death Valley National Park, California.

California's death valley records 54.4 °C on August 16: 'Possibly highest temperature on earth

Uber Technologies said it would continue operating its revenue-generating food delivery business Uber Eats even if its ride-hail business should be forced shut in California at the end of this week following a court order.

California: Uber to continue food delivery services despite rides business forced shut

In the United States, the massive wildfire burning in Northern California has resulted in rare and dangerous fire tornado's Watch report.

20,000 acres of land destroyed in California fire

A thermometer at Death Valley’s Furnace Creek in the Southern California desert has soared to 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 Celsius)

WION Dispatch:California shows highest global temperature in over 100 years | Climate Change

California’s Death Valley recently witnessed highest ever temperature recoded in the world in a century!

The thermometer in Furnace Creek recorded a reading of 54.4 degree Celsius (130 degree Fahrenheit), according to the US National Weather Service.

Once verified, this would officially be the hottest temperature recorded since July of 1913.

“If verified, this will be the hottest temperature officially verified since July of 1913,” NWS Las Vegas said on Sunday afternoon.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-coronavirus-and-power-shutoff-heatwave-grips-california-321237" hreflang="en">After coronavirus and power shutoff, heatwave grips California</a>

After undergoing a formal review, it will become official. The NWS weather recorded the temperature near Nevada border at 3.41 pm local time.

The current standing hottest temperature is 56.7 degree Celsius (134 degree F) which was recorded in Death Valley’s Greenland Ranch on July 10, 1913.

It is still the hottest temperature recorded on earth, according to the World Meteorological Department.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/while-amazon-records-10000-fires-in-the-first-10-days-of-august-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-terms-it-a-lie-319858" hreflang="en">While Amazon records 10,000 fires in the first 10 days of August, Brazilian President Bolsonaro terms it a 'lie'</a>

The state is currently witnessing raging fires, and could soon face a blanket blackout.&nbsp;The state’s grid operator has warned of blackouts and has asked state’s utilities to start cutting power.

On Friday, the California Independent System Operator declared a Stage 2 emergency, marking the first such announcement since 2006.

As temperatures go above 100 degree F across the state and people increase consumption of electricity, the danger looms.

California’s Death Valley recently witnessed highest ever temperature recoded in the world in a century! The thermometer in Furnace Creek recorded a reading of 54.

California’s Death Valley recently witnessed highest ever temperature recoded in the world in a century! The thermometer in Furnace Creek recorded a reading of 54.4 degree Celsius (130 degree Fahrenheit), according to the US National Weather Service. Once verified, this would officially be the hottest temperature recorded since July of 1913. “If verified, this will be the hottest temperature officially verified since July of 1913,” NWS Las Vegas said on Sunday afternoon. Also see: After coronavirus and power shutoff, heatwave grips California After undergoing a formal review, it will become official. The NWS weather recorded the temperature near Nevada border at 3.41 pm local time. The current standing hottest temperature is 56.7 degree Celsius (134 degree F) which was recorded in Death Valley’s Greenland Ranch on July 10, 1913. It is still the hottest temperature recorded on earth, according to the World Meteorological Department. Also read: While Amazon records 10,000 fires in the first 10 days of August, Brazilian President Bolsonaro terms it a 'lie' The state is currently witnessing raging fires, and could soon face a blanket blackout. The state’s grid operator has warned of blackouts and has asked state’s utilities to start cutting power. On Friday, the California Independent System Operator declared a Stage 2 emergency, marking the first such announcement since 2006. As temperatures go above 100 degree F across the state and people increase consumption of electricity, the danger looms.

California's Death Valley records world's highest temperature amid raging fires

Firefighters scrambled to protect thousands of homes from a wildfire racing through brush-covered mountains north of Los Angeles on Friday that caused hundreds of evacuations and burned 21 structures.

The blaze, dubbed the Lake Fire, swelled to over 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares), forcing up to 1,500 people from their houses after erupting on Wednesday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest.

Triple digit temperatures and single digit humidity fanned flames on Friday evening, and little let-up was expected over the weekend with an excessive heat warning in effect across Southern California.

"We saw extreme fire conditions," Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Frank Garrido said of the operation in steep canyons aided by firefighting helicopters.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation but human activity is likely to blame, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Andrew Mitchell.

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No casualties were reported but the blaze threatened 5,420 homes and other structures in communities about 40 miles (65 km) north of downtown Los Angeles where residents have been told to prepare for possible evacuations over the weekend, Garrido said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mercury-soars-in-california-as-apple-fire-sets-the-state-ablaze-317851">In pictures:&nbsp;Mercury soars in California as 'Apple Fire' sets the state ablaze</a>

Much of the area has not had a fire in 60-100 years, allowing flames to move swiftly through fuel-choked areas. 
Across the United States, fires have been less ferocious so far in 2020, burning around 1.4 million fewer acres than in the same period of 2019. Conditions are expected to worsen in California next month when Santa Ana winds arrive in the south and El Diablo winds pick up in the North.

In drought-stricken Colorado, the Pine Gulch Fire, burning near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver, has blackened over 73,000 acres in remote mountain terrain, making it the fourth-largest in the state`s history.

Firefighters scrambled to protect thousands of homes from a wildfire racing through brush-covered mountains north of Los Angeles on Friday that caused hundreds of evacuations and burned 21 structures.

Firefighters scrambled to protect thousands of homes from a wildfire racing through brush-covered mountains north of Los Angeles on Friday that caused hundreds of evacuations and burned 21 structures. The blaze, dubbed the Lake Fire, swelled to over 17,000 acres (6,880 hectares), forcing up to 1,500 people from their houses after erupting on Wednesday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest. Triple digit temperatures and single digit humidity fanned flames on Friday evening, and little let-up was expected over the weekend with an excessive heat warning in effect across Southern California. "We saw extreme fire conditions," Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Frank Garrido said of the operation in steep canyons aided by firefighting helicopters. The cause of the blaze was under investigation but human activity is likely to blame, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Andrew Mitchell. × No casualties were reported but the blaze threatened 5,420 homes and other structures in communities about 40 miles (65 km) north of downtown Los Angeles where residents have been told to prepare for possible evacuations over the weekend, Garrido said. In pictures: Mercury soars in California as 'Apple Fire' sets the state ablaze Much of the area has not had a fire in 60-100 years, allowing flames to move swiftly through fuel-choked areas. Across the United States, fires have been less ferocious so far in 2020, burning around 1.4 million fewer acres than in the same period of 2019. Conditions are expected to worsen in California next month when Santa Ana winds arrive in the south and El Diablo winds pick up in the North. In drought-stricken Colorado, the Pine Gulch Fire, burning near Grand Junction, about 190 miles west of Denver, has blackened over 73,000 acres in remote mountain terrain, making it the fourth-largest in the state`s history.

'Extreme' California wildfire forces hundreds to evacuate

Hundreds of homes evacuated as forest fires in California intensify

Harris becomes the first Black woman and the first Asian American to compete on a major party's presidential ticket.

WION Fineprint: Democrat Joe Biden chooses Senator Kamala Harris as VP candidate

US Presidential candidate Joe Biden has named Kamala Harris, a high-profile black senator from California, as his vice presidential choice, capping a months-long search for a Democratic partner to challenge President Donald Trump in November.

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US 2020 elections: Biden picks Kamala Devi Harris as VP nominee

Cab companies in the US state of California will now be required to convert their drivers from “independent contractors” to employees after a judge ruled in favour of drivers. As part of this, the employees can now avail benefits in the state.

Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft Inc were ordered by a judge on Monday, and plan to appeal the injunction. If they become categorised as employees, the companies will have to offer overtime, healthcare among other benefits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/business-economy/uber-rides-take-a-hit-during-coronavirus-pandemic-but-food-delivery-business-doubles-318719" hreflang="en">Uber rides take a hit during coronavirus pandemic but food-delivery business doubles</a>

This comes in the backdrop of Assembly Bill 5, a California labour law which took effect this year and says that workers can be considered contractors only if they undertake tasks that fall outside the usual course. It is being seen largely as a threat to the cab industry in the challenging times of COVID-19, when most people have been advised to stay indoors and to avoid contact with other human beings.

In the quarter that ended in June, Uber reported a 67 per cent decline in the their revenues.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/business-economy/uber-keeps-asia-hq-in-singapore-ditching-hong-kong-move-316986" hreflang="en">Uber keeps Asia HQ in Singapore, ditching Hong Kong move</a>

San Francisco’s Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman and California Attorney Gen Xavier Becerra are on the same page about employee rights and cab hailing industry. They felt that the companies were directly violating Assembly Bill 5. Both Uber and Lyft have 10 days to appeal this decision.

An analysis by Uber revealed that if drivers were considered employees, the prices of rides would shoot up tremendously. San Francisco alone would witness a 30 per cent jump in prices, while the less-populated areas like InlandEmpire could see a 120 per cent spike.

Cab companies in the US state of California will now be required to convert their drivers from “independent contractors” to employees after a judge ruled in favour of drivers.

Cab companies in the US state of California will now be required to convert their drivers from “independent contractors” to employees after a judge ruled in favour of drivers. As part of this, the employees can now avail benefits in the state. Uber Technologies Inc and Lyft Inc were ordered by a judge on Monday, and plan to appeal the injunction. If they become categorised as employees, the companies will have to offer overtime, healthcare among other benefits. Also read: Uber rides take a hit during coronavirus pandemic but food-delivery business doubles This comes in the backdrop of Assembly Bill 5, a California labour law which took effect this year and says that workers can be considered contractors only if they undertake tasks that fall outside the usual course. It is being seen largely as a threat to the cab industry in the challenging times of COVID-19, when most people have been advised to stay indoors and to avoid contact with other human beings. In the quarter that ended in June, Uber reported a 67 per cent decline in the their revenues. Also read: Uber keeps Asia HQ in Singapore, ditching Hong Kong move San Francisco’s Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman and California Attorney Gen Xavier Becerra are on the same page about employee rights and cab hailing industry. They felt that the companies were directly violating Assembly Bill 5. Both Uber and Lyft have 10 days to appeal this decision. An analysis by Uber revealed that if drivers were considered employees, the prices of rides would shoot up tremendously. San Francisco alone would witness a 30 per cent jump in prices, while the less-populated areas like InlandEmpire could see a 120 per cent spike.

California judge rules Uber drivers are employees, not contractors

As Nevada allowed the state to&nbsp;send mail-in ballots to every voter for the upcoming November Presidential elections, the US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue to the state.

Democratic lawmakers passed the bill on Sunday in the US state of Nevada. However, Trump feels this was "&nbsp;an illegal late night coup".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pathetic-us-president-trump-lashes-out-at-virus-coordinator-317921">Also read| 'Pathetic!': US President Trump lashes out at virus coordinator</a>

Trump&nbsp;has been opposing protesting against mail-in ballots since the idea was tossed open for discussion. The idea behind this was to allow people to vote without having for them to step out of the house amid the pandemic. Trump, however, feels that this will only bring in more corruption.

"In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!," he tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court! <a href="https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7">https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1290250416278532096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After, or if, the Nevada state Governor Steve Sisolak signs the bill, the state of Nevada will become third state to opt for mail-in ballots this year after California and Vermont decided to prioritise their citizens' health.&nbsp;Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington have been following mail-in ballot since few years now, making Nevada the seventh state in total.

Trump on Monday said he has the right to issue an executive order on mail-in voting but he has't gotten to it yet.

Nevada mailed ballots to voters ahead of its primary election in June and encouraged residents not to risk in-person voting.

Nevada Governor and Trump's administration have not issued a comment on Trump's threat to sue, as of now.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Nevada allowed the state to send mail-in ballots to every voter for the upcoming November Presidential elections, the US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue to the state.

As Nevada allowed the state to send mail-in ballots to every voter for the upcoming November Presidential elections, the US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue to the state. Democratic lawmakers passed the bill on Sunday in the US state of Nevada. However, Trump feels this was " an illegal late night coup". Also read| 'Pathetic!': US President Trump lashes out at virus coordinator Trump has been opposing protesting against mail-in ballots since the idea was tossed open for discussion. The idea behind this was to allow people to vote without having for them to step out of the house amid the pandemic. Trump, however, feels that this will only bring in more corruption. "In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!," he tweeted. In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state. Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court! https://t.co/cNSPINgCY7 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2020 × After, or if, the Nevada state Governor Steve Sisolak signs the bill, the state of Nevada will become third state to opt for mail-in ballots this year after California and Vermont decided to prioritise their citizens' health. Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington have been following mail-in ballot since few years now, making Nevada the seventh state in total. Trump on Monday said he has the right to issue an executive order on mail-in voting but he has't gotten to it yet. Nevada mailed ballots to voters ahead of its primary election in June and encouraged residents not to risk in-person voting. Nevada Governor and Trump's administration have not issued a comment on Trump's threat to sue, as of now. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump threatens to sue Nevada for mail-in ballots

California is currently witnessing a wildfire, with extremely dangerous heat conditions to persist for the next few days. In Palm Springs alone, the temperature is expected to touch 41 degree Celsius.

Owing to the dangerous conditions, thousands have been evacuated across the state, especially in the southern region. Over 300 personnel are fighting to contain the wildfire in the US state of California.

"Apple Fire"

The fire is being called the “Apple Fire” by frontline firemen, who commonly names wildfires. The current spot of the fire lies east of Los Angeles and continues to blaze.

As per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Apple Fire ripped through 60 square kilometres of dry bush and timber, and has put the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino at risk of heavy damage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-records-1000-deaths-in-one-day-from-covid-19-california-passes-400000-cases-315061" hreflang="en">US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases</a>

The fire began on Friday when two small fires were reported in Cherry Valley, which falls close to the city of Beaumont, at least 137 kilometres east of Los Angeles. The containment efforts were delayed as the blaze could not be brought under control over the weekend.

The authorities have employed all resources at hand to control the blaze. Besides the ground, air support has been deployed. Even though no direct injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, one home and two buildings have been destroyed.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/south-california-wildfire-burns-12000-acres-of-land-hot-condition-to-continue-for-next-3-days-317625/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over 8,000 evacuated

Considering the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the smoke from the flames could put the vulnerable in the hospital.

In the county of Riverside alone, 8,000 people have been asked to vacate their homes. Additional orders to evacuate were commissioned for canyon, foothill, and mountain regions around the country.

California, famous for its hiker trails and beaches has shut down all camping areas and hiking activity in the view of the current inferno.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/california-rolls-back-reopening-reimposes-restrictions-as-us-coronavirus-crisis-expands-313110" hreflang="en">California rolls back reopening; reimposes restrictions as US coronavirus crisis expands</a>

On Saturday, the temperature touched 41 degree Celsius (105F), causing poor air quality in the region, with smoke visible across the region. The National Weather Service in the US has called the fire would trigger “dangerously hot conditions” across southern parts of the state.

So far, people living across 2,586 homes have been asked to evacuate. Over the weekend, the fire engulfed 4,125 acres, up from 700 acres earlier on Friday.

California is currently witnessing a wildfire, with extremely dangerous heat conditions to persist for the next few days. In Palm Springs alone, the temperature is expected to touch 41 degree Celsius.

California is currently witnessing a wildfire, with extremely dangerous heat conditions to persist for the next few days. In Palm Springs alone, the temperature is expected to touch 41 degree Celsius. Owing to the dangerous conditions, thousands have been evacuated across the state, especially in the southern region. Over 300 personnel are fighting to contain the wildfire in the US state of California. "Apple Fire" The fire is being called the “Apple Fire” by frontline firemen, who commonly names wildfires. The current spot of the fire lies east of Los Angeles and continues to blaze. As per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Apple Fire ripped through 60 square kilometres of dry bush and timber, and has put the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino at risk of heavy damage. Also read: US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases The fire began on Friday when two small fires were reported in Cherry Valley, which falls close to the city of Beaumont, at least 137 kilometres east of Los Angeles. The containment efforts were delayed as the blaze could not be brought under control over the weekend. The authorities have employed all resources at hand to control the blaze. Besides the ground, air support has been deployed. Even though no direct injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, one home and two buildings have been destroyed. Over 8,000 evacuated Considering the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the smoke from the flames could put the vulnerable in the hospital. In the county of Riverside alone, 8,000 people have been asked to vacate their homes. Additional orders to evacuate were commissioned for canyon, foothill, and mountain regions around the country. California, famous for its hiker trails and beaches has shut down all camping areas and hiking activity in the view of the current inferno. Also read: California rolls back reopening; reimposes restrictions as US coronavirus crisis expands On Saturday, the temperature touched 41 degree Celsius (105F), causing poor air quality in the region, with smoke visible across the region. The National Weather Service in the US has called the fire would trigger “dangerously hot conditions” across southern parts of the state. So far, people living across 2,586 homes have been asked to evacuate. Over the weekend, the fire engulfed 4,125 acres, up from 700 acres earlier on Friday.

'Apple Fire' raises the heat in California as temperature touches 41° C

The great white shark is one of the most feared predators underwater. Now drones from high above are helping experts analyze their behavior when they encounter humans. In a nutshell: we're not on their menu, according to Shark Lab Director Chris Lowe.

How drones are helping experts better understand shark behavior in California

The United States continues to reel under the coronavirus pandemic. The country is witnessing the second wave of infections where the state of California overtook New York to become the most affected state in the country.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Crematoriums in Texas overburdened, Highest single-day surge in California

Thousands of tenants in California unable to make their monthly rental payments due to the coronavirus outbreak are living in fear of being evicted in the coming months.

California renters fear eviction, forced to choose between buying food or paying rent

Californians are getting their lockdown locks tended to outdoors from Tuesday (July 21), in accordance with new protocols introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom. Barbershops re-opened in May but as cases of the coronavirus surged across the state, Newsom ordered on Monday (July 20) that personal care businesses could stay open but only if they moved their operations outside.

Barbershops move outdoors under new California coronavirus orders

Governor Gavin Newsom on July 13 signaled a major resort in the state’s two-month effort to recover from the economic collapse caused by the coronavirus, ordering the closure of bars, indoor restaurants, movie theaters and many other recently reopened businesses across California, United States.

Governor Gavin Newsom orders to shut indoor restaurants, bars in California

The COVID-19 cases in the United States are rising at a rapid rate. Governor Gavin Newsom on July 13 ordering the closure of bars, indoor restaurants, movie theaters, and many other recently reopened businesses across California. Florida is seeing a massive surge in coronavirus cases. Watch WION report from Washington D.C.

US nearly 60,000 COVID-19 cases in last 24-hours: Florida shut again, Cases surging in Florida

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