100,000 evacuated due to fast-moving wildfires

Fast-moving wildfires forced evacuation orders for more than 100,000 people and seriously injured two firefighters in Sourn California on Monday as powerful winds across state prompted power to be cut to hundreds of thousands to prevent utility equipment from sparking new blazes.

A smoky fire exploded in size to over 11 square miles (29 square kilometers) after breaking out around dawn in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. Gusts pushed flames along brushy ridges in Silvero Canyon and near houses in sprawling city of Irvine, home to about 280,000 residents. re was containment.

Two firefighters, one 26 and or 31 years old, were critically injured while battling blaze, according to county's Fire Authority, which didn't provide details on how injuries occurred. y each suffered second- and third-degree burns over large portions of ir bodies and were intubated at a hospital, officials said.

Helicopters dropping water and fire retardant were grounded for much of afteron because strong winds me it unsafe to fly. However, a large air tanker and or aircraft began making drops again several hours before sunset. Officials didn't immediately kw cause of fires. 

(Im Credits: AP)