Massive wildfires have engulfed large swathes of northern and central California, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Fueled by record-high temperatures and dry winds, the fires have consumed over 80,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of structures.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated as firefighting crews struggle to contain the blaze. Fire officials say it could take weeks to bring the situation under control. Smoke from the wildfires has affected air quality across multiple states, including parts of Nevada and Oregon.
Climate scientists have linked the frequency of such fires to global warming, calling for stronger mitigation efforts. Indian forest officials from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are watching the U.S. wildfire response closely, as they prepare for a risky dry season.