US Heat Wave and Fires (videos) [1]

MsNewsfromworld, 7/2/13, BBC News [2]

At least one person has reportedly died and dozens more have been treated for exhaustion and dehydration as a heat wave continues to cause problems across western America.

Air-conditioned "cooling centres" have been set up in California, Nevada and Arizona, as officials warn the high temperatures could be life-threatening.

 

 

At least 19 US firefighters have been killed battling a wildfire in central Arizona, local officials say.

The men died while fighting the blaze threatening the town of Yarnell, about 80 miles (130km) north-west of Phoenix.

The fire started on Friday but later spread rapidly amid high heat, low humidity and windy conditions.

Arizona and other parts of the western United States - including California - have recorded near-record temperatures over the weekend.