California’s wildfires die down

Residents have started returning to their homes in three areas of southern California ravaged by wildfires.

Calmer winds and temperatures have allowed firefighters to get to grips with two large blazes in the state, despite a third continuing to rage on.

The fires have destroyed hundreds of homes across southern California, forcing thousands of residents to flee for shelter.

Halla Alsabagh from the LA County Department of Mental Health said: “We’re here to provide emotional support. These people have lost a lot of things that are meaningful to them. We’re going to be going out with the Los Angeles Police Department, chaplains, and the Mayor’s crisis response team to provide support for the people that are touring their areas for the first time.”

With most urban areas now thought to be out of danger, around 50,000 of the evacuated residents are being allowed to go home.

No deaths have so far been reported from the fires.

Copyright © 2009 euronews