— AFP File PhotoLOS ANGELES — A growing number of wildfires were threatening people and property in the western United States on Tuesday, with the governor of Washington state declaring a state of emergency in 20 counties. "These fires threaten people, property and the natural resources of eastern Washington," Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement. "This proclamation frees up state resources so we can provide the assistance that these communities might need. Further south along the Pacific coast, 10,000 firefighters were battling six gigantic wildfires in California. Across the country, 18,000 firefighters were fighting 32 huge fires, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, mainly in western states.

Source: Viet Nam News August 24, 2016 04:30 UTC