California fires claim 6 lives, threaten thousands of homes

Sky-darkening wildfires that took at least six lives and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes blazed throughout California Friday, Aug. 21, as firefighting resources strained under the vastness of the infernos authorities were trying to control.

Three major complexes encompassing dozens of fires chewed through a combined 780 square miles (2,020 square kilometers) of forests, canyons and rural areas flanking San Francisco on three sides.

Statewide, nearly 12,000 firefighters are battling blazes that have scorched more than 1,200 square miles (3,120 square kilometers) in Californi...