Dixie Fire: Firefighters tackle historic California wildfire

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in northern California which has become the second largest in state history.

The Dixie Fire has already destroyed nearly all of the historic Gold Rush town of Greenville and authorities warn it could take weeks to contain.

There are currently 11 major wildfires burning in the state.

Rescue workers are bracing for higher temperatures of 38C (100F) in the coming days.

The Dixie Fire started on 13 July and has since ravaged more than 463,000 acres (187,369 hectares). Just 21% of the blaze is contained, according to officials.

It is second in size only to last year’s August Complex fire, which burned through more than 1m acres.

Agencies