LOS ANGELES - A fire burning out of control in Southern California has grown to a massive 20,000 acres, officials said Sunday, as residents in an area north of Los Angeles were forced to evacuate. More than 900 firefighters are battling the blaze and residents have been evacuated, NWCG reported. California is experiencing a record five-year drought and trees and brush are at risk of igniting from the smallest spark. Local media reported that ash and smoke could be seen as far away as Pasadena and Malibu. It added that structures had been destroyed or damaged although it was unable to confirm specific properties.

Source: Bangkok Post July 24, 2016 11:48 UTC