Brush fire sweeps major roadway in southern CaliforniaJuly 18, 2015 - 11:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A fast moving brush fire has sent dozens of people fleeing from their cars on a major roadway in southern California, BBC News reports. The fire, in the Cajon pass, is reported to have left at least 20 vehicles on the I-15 in flames and has left hundreds possibly thousands of people stranded in the desert. It broke out at the start of the weekend during peak travel time. There have been no confirmed reports of injuries. Footage from news helicopters shows dramatic pictures of people walking away from the flames, covering their faces and trying not to breathe in the noxious smoke and fumes. Several lanes of the road have been closed, causing traffic to back up for miles. "It's crazy, you're watching black clouds and white clouds of smoke, there's a ridgeline off to my right... and it looks like any second flames will come over the ridgeline,'' said 43-year-old Chris Patterson, quoted by the AP. Several dozen vehicles have been abandoned - and some are completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters asked evacuating motorists to leave their keys in the cars - in the hope that they could clear the cars once the fire is under control. Aircraft are dropping flame retardant chemicals on the fire. The I-15 is the main road linking Los Angeles and Nevada, and is particularly busy at the weekends as southern Californians head to Las Vegas. Wildfires are common in California, but have been exacerbated by the four-year drought gripping the state. Photo: Reuters Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |