Los Angeles, July 5 -- A wildfire in central California has rapidly grown to more than 70,000 acres (283.2 square km) in around 48 hours by yesterday noon, becoming the largest blaze so far this year in the western US state.
The fire, dubbed the 'Madre' fire, started Wednesday afternoon in San Luis Obispo County, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). It was only 10 percent contained.
Authorities said fire behavior in the area is expected to be extreme, characterized by rapid uphill runs and wind-driven head fire spread.
"The presence of dry, cured annual grasses will support high rates of spread with intense flame lengths. Alignment of slope and wind will further exacerbate fire behavior, creat...