Wildfires Scar the Drought-Ridden Southern California Landscape

Fueled by record heat, high winds and unusually intense drought conditions, at least nine wildfires have hop-scotched across southern California, destroying homes and killing one person. Several of the fires remained out of control on Friday, including the San Marcos Fire that has claimed at least one life and destroyed an unknown number of homes. At least 125,000 people were evacuated from their homes at the height of the blazes.

While southern California is known for experiencing wildfires, they don't typically occur during May. This year, though, is different because of an intense drought that covers the entire state Read more...