Deadly Wildfires | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Monday, August 31, 2009

California News Governor Schwarzenegger declared an emergency and urged everyone who lives near the fire to get out of their homes as soon as possible. Even so, three people were burned when they refused to evacuate.

One couple tried to hide in a hot tub, but it couldn't protect them.

Mike Bryant with L.A. County Deputy Fire Chief said: "Near Mt Gleason in the Angeles National Forest two firefighters went over the mountainside in their vehicle and died".

Their families have been notified, but the loss was overwhelming

The two men were among thousands of firefighters who have been battling the intense fire that is said to be spreading "in all directions." Some 55 square miles have been scorched and more than 12-thousand homes are threatened. Mandatory evacuations were ordered

Larry Waldie, L.A. County Undersheriff said: "If we tell you to leave, when we say that we tell you to leave, you leave because your life is in danger."

Smoke and ash covers the Los Angeles basin creating dangerous health conditions for those not directly threatened by the blaze. The air quality around Pasadena was so thick it grounded dc-10 tankers from an aerial assault with flame retardants.

The fire is also creeping up Mount Wilson, threatening an historic observatory, but also threatening antennas that are at the heart of the regions broadcast and communication operations.