A firefighter has died whilst battling massive wildfires in northern California, local authorities announced late on Monday. He lost his life as firefighters attempted to contain the ‘Mendocino Complex’, which already holds the record for California’s most devastating wildfire, according to Calfire, the state fire service, on Twitter.
The fire has spread to an area of approximately 1,361 km² and is not expected to be brought under control until at least 1 September.
High temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds have caused the fires, and the ‘Mendocino Complex’ is now burning around 160 kilometres north of San Francisco.
Nearly 4,000 firefighters, including international crews, are currently battling the blaze.