California wildfires rage on as more than 2 MILLION face power cuts as more flee in fear
WILDFIRES continue to rage in California as more than two million people face power cuts and more flee in fear.
Dramatic photos show families sprinting from their homes to escape the fires tearing across the region.
The fast-moving wildfires were sparked seven minutes after a nearby power line was damaged on Wednesday, and has since torn through 22,000 acres in one of California's best-known wine regions, Sonoma county.
Around 850,000 customers face widespread power cuts today, after two utility companies cut off electricity as a preventive measure.
The fire has already destroyed at least 50 homes and led to 50,000 evacuations.
Crews are struggling in the battle against the Kincade fire, with fierce gusty winds expected to return tonight that could drive the fire through with even more intensity.
By Friday morning, parts of California resembled an apocalyptic wasteland with burnt out cars and playgrounds.
State Senator Mike McGuire said four air tankers and 11 helicopters have been deployed to tackle the growing blaze.
Shares of California's largest utility have closed down 31 percent on news that the company's equipment might have played a role in another wildfire.
The plunge for Pacific Gas & Electric stock came after it found a broken wire on a transmission line near where the wildfire broke out.
Earlier this month, fires raged across 4,700 acres north of Los Angeles and forced thousands to flee.