California wildfire now largest in state history

Twin wildfires in California, known as the Mendocino Complex Fire, have grown to become the largest active wildfire in state history, BBC News reported citing officials on Monday (Aug. 6).

The fires have spread rapidly in recent days to burn 283,800 acres of land - an area almost the size of Los Angeles.

CNN noted that the Mendocino Complex Fire grew about 80 percent since Friday night. As of Monday evening, it was 30 percent contained and had destroyed 75 residences.

Firefighters are tackling 16 major blazes across the state amid hot weather, strong winds and low humidity, the BBC said.

At least seven people have been killed in the Carr fire in the state's north.

The Mendocino Complex Fire has now surpassed last year's Thomas Fire, which burned 281,893 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as the largest fire in Cal Fire history, CNN noted.

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