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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
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| California fire claims four lives | California fire claims four lives |
| (about 6 hours later) | |
| Four US firefighters have died in a forest fire near Palm Springs, California, which authorities say was the work of arsonists. | Four US firefighters have died in a forest fire near Palm Springs, California, which authorities say was the work of arsonists. |
| Thousands of acres have burned around the town of Cabazon, some 125 miles (200km) east of Los Angeles. | Thousands of acres have burned around the town of Cabazon, some 125 miles (200km) east of Los Angeles. |
| Hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes. | Hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes. |
| Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to the dead firefighters saying Californians were "heartbroken". A murder inquiry has been launched. | Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to the dead firefighters saying Californians were "heartbroken". A murder inquiry has been launched. |
| More than 700 firefighters were sent to the scene on Thursday. | More than 700 firefighters were sent to the scene on Thursday. |
| The flames spread rapidly, fuelled by strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. | The flames spread rapidly, fuelled by strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. |
| Reward | Reward |
| By late Thursday the fire was 5% contained, officials said. | By late Thursday the fire was 5% contained, officials said. |
| The authorities believe it was started deliberately to cause maximum damage. | The authorities believe it was started deliberately to cause maximum damage. |
| In pictures: California fire | |
| "A deliberate arson fire that kills someone constitutes murder," Californian firefighters chief John Hawkins told reporters. | "A deliberate arson fire that kills someone constitutes murder," Californian firefighters chief John Hawkins told reporters. |
| He offered a $100,000 (£52,000) reward for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible. | He offered a $100,000 (£52,000) reward for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible. |
| Mr Hawkins said between 400 and 1,000 people were trapped in a recreational vehicle park in the hills. | Mr Hawkins said between 400 and 1,000 people were trapped in a recreational vehicle park in the hills. |
| "They are going to encounter heat and smoke but they are probably going to be okay," he said. | "They are going to encounter heat and smoke but they are probably going to be okay," he said. |
| Many others in the area have been forced to flee their homes. | Many others in the area have been forced to flee their homes. |
| "The flames were 30m (100ft) tall, burning on both sides of the road. I didn't think I would make it," local resident Charles Miner told Reuters news agency. | "The flames were 30m (100ft) tall, burning on both sides of the road. I didn't think I would make it," local resident Charles Miner told Reuters news agency. |
| Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said: "All Californians are heartbroken... Anyone that is risking their own lives to save others is a true hero." | Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said: "All Californians are heartbroken... Anyone that is risking their own lives to save others is a true hero." |
| The weather service has issued a red flag warning for extreme fire danger in the next few days. | The weather service has issued a red flag warning for extreme fire danger in the next few days. |
| Officials say the battle will continue to be fought overnight but it may be next week before the blaze is under control. | Officials say the battle will continue to be fought overnight but it may be next week before the blaze is under control. |
Are you in Palm Springs and have you been affected by the fires? Please send us your comments and experiences using the form at the below. | Are you in Palm Springs and have you been affected by the fires? Please send us your comments and experiences using the form at the below. |