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

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By Natalia Liubchenkova
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
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
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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.

Noah Berger/AP Photo
Flames consume a home in California, USA, on August 19, 2020. Fire crews across the region scrambled to contain dozens of wildfires sparked by lightning strikesNoah Berger/AP Photo
Noah Berger/AP Photo
Fires spread in Vacaville, California, USA. August 19, 2020Noah Berger/AP Photo
Josh Edelson/AFP
A fire truck drives through flames as fire continues to rage out of control near Lake Berryessa in Napa, California. August 18, 2020Josh Edelson/AFP
Josh Edelson/AFP
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 strikesJosh Edelson/AFP
Shmuel Thler/AP Photo
A massive column of smoke rises above Highway 1 north of the Santa Cruz County line as fire burns above Waddell Beach, California, USA. August 19, 2020Shmuel Thler/AP Photo
Noah Berger/AP Photo
Scorched homes and vehicles are seen in Spanish Flat Mobile Villa after fire passed through Napa County, California. August 20, 2020Noah Berger/AP Photo
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
A charred tricycle is left behind in a fire-ravaged home after fire passed through in Bonny Doon, California, USA. August 20, 2020Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
Jose Carlos Fajardo/BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 2020 via AP
A local couple leads a horse to safety on Pleasants Valley in Vacaville, California, USA. August 20, 2020Jose Carlos Fajardo/BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 2020 via AP
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
Charred vehicles are left behind after fire passed through in Bonny Doon, California, USA. August 20, 2020Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
A fire-damaged home is seen after fire passed through in Bonny Doon, California, USA. August 20, 2020Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo