Fires feared as heatwave hits US

Record-setting temperatures were today scorching California and the West sparking fears of power failures and more wildfires.

States throughout the West have been hit by triple-digit temperatures which are expected to last for the rest of the week.

The sizzling temperatures in California led to concerns about a repeat of the 2000-2001 energy crisis and residents are being asked to conserve power.

Air conditioners across California drained electricity reserves yesterday and prompted the state’s first Stage 2 power alert of 2002 but this was lifted by today.

California’s last blackouts, which affected thousands of people, were in May last year.

Stephanie McCorkle, of the Independent System Operator, which manages the state’s power grid said electricity use has been higher this summer in California than on comparable days last year.

She told USA Today: “That tells us two things. One, that conservation has slacked off and two, that the economy is recovering.”

Temperatures yesterday were over 100F (38C) throughout much of California and other western states.

It was 108F (42C) in Reno, Nevada, breaking the city’s all-time high set in 1931 while the state’s Carson City also hit an all-time high of 104F.

Sacramento in California hit 112F (44C) Wednesday while Bakersfield, California tied its record of 108F (42C).

And Redding, California was today expected to break its all-time record of 118F (48C).

California’s governor Gray Davis said the state’s electrical system was prepared for the heat.

Mr Davis said: “If we had had this kind of weather last summer, the lights would be off from Eureka to El Centro.

“This year we may have a hot summer but we’re far better prepared than we were last summer.”

The soaring temperatures has also led to fears about wildfires and in certain areas of California, fire officials have warned residents not to use fire hydrants to cool themselves down.

“The hotter it is, the more likely it is to burn,” said Karen Terrill, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry.

“A spark that was harmless last week could really flare up this week.”