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Winds Hindering Firefighting Efforts

In Southern California winds are making wildfires unstoppable. Thousands of firefighters are battling the worst of the raging blazes in San Diego County. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

In Southern California winds are making wildfires unstoppable. Thousands of firefighters are battling the worst of the raging blazes in San Diego County as Ed Joyce of member station KPBS reports.

It's been three days and firefighters are still trying to get the upper hand on a whirlwind of voracious wildfires that have so far scorched more than 250,000 acres in San Diego County.

From the Mexican border north to Camp Pendleton, four major fires have moved swiftly, buffetted by swirling, gusty Santa Ana winds. Officials say several thousand homes and other structures have been destroyed.

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More than a half-million residents have been forced to evacuate, many taking refuge at emergency shelters from area high schools to Qualcomm Stadium. The fires have killed one person and injured 42 others including 21 firefighters. State fire officials say it will be at least one week before they get full control of any of the four major fires. 

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.