Los Angeles wildfire ruled arson

A huge wildfire which has devastated a large area north of Los Angeles was started deliberately, say the authorities in California. A homicide investigation has been launched as two fire fighters were killed tackling the blaze, known as the Station Fire.

The fire covers nearly 150,000 acres - the largest in the county's history. Dozens of homes have been destroyed and thousands of people evacuated but the fire is now 38% contained, say reports.

"After a forensic examination at the point of origin, arson investigators have concluded that the Station Fire was the result of an act of arson," said US Forest Service Commander Rita Wears.

"The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide bureau has initiated a homicide investigation due to the tragic death of the two Los Angeles County firefighters as a result of this fire."

• "Natural Hazards-Wildfires", US Geological Survey, website.
• "Wildfires", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, website.
• "Los Angeles Wildfire Updates", LA Times, webpage.