Flames rip through Californian streets

A firefighter has became the latest victim of the huge blazes sweeping across southern California for more than a week.

He died when his fire engine was overwhelmed after the wind changed direction and sent flames leaping across a main road, badly burning three other firefighters who were evacuated by helicopter.

His death brings to 20 the number of people killed in at least 10 major fires that have destroyed nearly 2,500 houses and 600,000 acres.

The fire they were tackling had almost surrounded the historic goldmining town of Julian in the mountains behind San Diego. At least 50,000 people have been evacuated from the area, as well as Lake Arrowhead, east of Los Angeles.

The two mountain resorts are now at the heart of the battle to contain the fires. About 200 homes have already been destroyed in Julian, which is being approached by a wall of flame said to be 50 feet high.