This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6093248.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
California fireman clings to life Battle to control California fire
(about 5 hours later)
A firefighter badly burnt in a California wildfire that killed four of his companions is in "poor" condition, with burns over 90% of his body. Firefighters in the US state of California are attempting to control a forest fire, which has consumed more than 9,000 hectares (35 sq miles).
Doctors said on Friday they hoped to be able to operate on the injured man, Pablo Cerda, 23, to remove burned skin. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency and pledged "every resource" to help those in the affected area to evacuate.
Thousands of acres have been burnt around the town of Cabazon, some 125 miles (200km) east of Los Angeles. Four firefighters have died and one is in a critical condition with 90% burns.
Hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes in one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. A $500,000 reward has been offered for information about the fire, which investigators say was set deliberately.
Firefighters went door-to-door waking people overnight and ordering them to flee as the fire spread, Reuters reported. Those responsible for starting the fire east of Los Angeles could face murder charges in connection with the deaths of the four firefighters.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to the firefighters who were killed on Thursday, saying Californians were "heartbroken" and ordering flags flown at half mast. Governor Schwarzenegger paid tribute to the men who were killed on Thursday, saying Californians were "heartbroken", and ordered flags to be flown at half mast.
A $100,000 (£52,700) reward has been offered for information about the fire, which investigators say was set deliberately. Doctors said on Friday they hoped to be able to operate on the injured firefighter, Pablo Cerda, 23, who is said to be in a "poor" condition with burns on 90% of his body.
They have not said what evidence they have that suggests arson.
A murder inquiry has been launched.
No coverNo cover
The dead firefighters have been named as Capt Mark Loutzenhiser, 44; Jess McLean, 27; Jason McCay, 27; and Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20.The dead firefighters have been named as Capt Mark Loutzenhiser, 44; Jess McLean, 27; Jason McCay, 27; and Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20.
They were killed when flames changed direction so quickly they had no time to take cover.
In pictures: California fireIn pictures: California fire
More than 1,000 personnel have been involved in fighting the fire since it broke out at 0112 local time (0812 GMT) on Thursday. They were killed when flames changed direction so quickly they had no time to take cover.
The flames spread rapidly, fuelled by strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. Nearly 2,000 personnel have been involved in fighting the fire since it broke out at 0112 local time (0812 GMT) on Thursday.
By late Friday the fire was 5% contained, officials said. The flames spread rapidly, fuelled by strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions. The authorities believe the fire was started deliberately to cause maximum damage.
The authorities believe it was started deliberately to cause maximum damage. Hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes.
"A deliberate arson fire that kills someone constitutes murder," Californian firefighters chief John Hawkins told reporters. The weather service has issued a red flag warning for extreme fire danger in the next few days. Officials say it may be next week before the blaze is under control.
The weather service has issued a red flag warning for extreme fire danger in the next few days.
Officials say 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.
Name
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. Name