In pictures: Heat and lightning strikes to blame for massive wildfires in California

Flames consume a home in Vacaville, California, USA, on August 19, 2020. Fire crews across the region scrambled to contain dozens of wildfires sparked by lightning strikes - Copyright Josh Edelson/AFP

By Natalia Liubchenkova

Published on 21/08/2020 - 12:43•Updated 24/08/2020 - 14:52

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The blazes have been caused by lightning strikes, the authorities say, and come amid a heatwave in the U.S. state.

Massive blazes that have spread across California have so far led to 7 deaths and the evacuation of thousands of people across the state, with tens of thousands of homes in danger.

The authorities say that lightning is responsible for the fires, over 650 of which have broken out amid a blistering heatwave.

At least 700 buildings have been destroyed and others damaged by the fires, which are being fought by 14,0000 firefighters, 2,400 engines and 95 aircraft.