California continues its wildfire battle

The cause of the fire, which has containment lines set up only on 15% of its perimeter, is being investigated, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said.

Winds remain a threat, with forecasts calling for gusts up to 25 miles per hour amid very low humidity, it said.

Flames have charred a record 3.5 million acres in California, killing 26 people and destroying more than 5,800 structures since mid-August, Cal Fire added.

A force of more than 19,000 firefighters made headway against the 27 major blazes they have been battling since August as searing temperatures diminished somewhat.