Firefighters battle massive California wildfires. See photos
Digital Reporter
Friday, July 29, 2016, 3:28 PM - Firefighters continue to battle the Soberanes wildfire near California's popular Big Sur coast that has forced hundreds to flee.
So far, the blaze has covered over 12,000 hectares and burned more than 40 homes. Some 4,000 firefighters are working to contain the fire and officials say low humidity and high temperatures have complicated efforts. As of Friday morning, containment stands at 15 per cent.
The blaze turned deadly Tuesday when a private contractor operating a bulldozer to help fight the fire was killed when his rig rolled over. The man has been identified as 35-year-old Robert Oliver Reagan III, a resident of Friant, California.
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California Office of Emergency Services received a federal grant Thursday to help with firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, 480 km away in a mountainous area north of Los Angeles, a blaze dubbed the 'Sand Fire' is 85 per cent contained after scorching nearly 16,000 hectares of land and destroying 18 homes.
A 67-year-old was found dead in a burned-out car last Saturday after refusing to heed evacuation orders in the area.
Below: Photo series of raging wildfires across California
SOURCE: CAL Fire
Watch more: Timelapse of Soberanes Fire burning in California