This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
California's largest ever wildfires have left a trail of destruction across the state, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
As of Saturday, the fires had burned a total of just under 600,000 acres and nearly 500 structures, with the two largest blazes - the SCU Lightening Complex and the LNU Lightening Complex - still raging out of control.
"We simply haven't seen anything like this in many, many years," Governor Gavin Newsom said on Friday, as he called for international help to fight the blazes.
With temperatures soaring and bone-dry conditions prevailing, the fires have been fueled by lightning strikes, with officials reporting over 12,000 strikes in just 72 hours.
"The sheer scale of the disaster is unprecedented," said Cal Fire's assistant deputy director Daniel Berlant, as he warned of potential for more ignitions as early as Sunday evening.
As the fires continue to spread, authorities have issued an air quality alert for the Bay Area, which encompasses seven counties, with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.
Despite the challenges, Governor Newsom remains optimistic, saying that he has a "very effective" working relationship with President Donald Trump, who has offered support in the form of firefighting hardware and personnel.
However, the governor has also acknowledged the need for international aid, with Canada and Australia among the countries he has asked for help from.
