US braced for worst wildfires in decades

Rescue workers in the US believe June could herald the worst wildfire summer since the 1970s.

Firefighters in northern California have a 4,100-acre blaze in Susanville about 50% contained.

But elsewhere, firefighters are battling against a 6,500-acre blaze near Nevada's Pyramid Lake and in New Mexico rugged terrain is hampering firefighters in the Guadalupe Mountains, where a strong wind swept a 2,000-acre fire across containment lines.

Interior Secretary Gale Norton says the fire potential in the West is already shaping up as one of the worst in decades.

"This is the second-driest year in the last 100 years in the Pacific Northwest," he said.

The Susanville fire, expected to cost more than £1.4m to fight, was sparked by a man shooting targets in a forest.

The flames reached the town limits, coming as close as 30 feet to some homes, and forced the evacuation of a small hospital.