Fire forces 5,000 to flee California Gold Rush towns

1 London

London News & Search

1 News - 1 eMovies - 1 eMusic - 1 eBooks - 1 Search

Firefighters were today battling a huge blaze burning in foothills near California’s Yosemite National Park that has already forced thousands of people to flee Gold Rush-era towns.

The fire was threatening about 1,500 homes and other buildings, after already destroying 29 structures.

The flames were today near Highway 49, a historical route dotted with little towns that sprouted along the gold belt that drew miners to California in the 1800s.

More than 3,000 firefighters were battling the four-day-old blaze that has scorched 75 square miles.

The fire, sparked by a lightning strike, has forced almost 5,000 people from their homes, officials said.

Reuse content