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First Big Southern California Wildfire of 2020 Keeps on Raging

Associated Press

   BANNING, CALIFORNIA - A huge wildfire in mountains east of Los Angeles
   that is Southern California's biggest blaze so far this year was still
   raging Monday, with thousands of people forced to evacuate their homes.

   The blaze in Riverside County, among several wildfires across
   California, had consumed about 106 square kilometers(more than 41
   square miles) of dry brush and timber since it broke out Friday
   evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire
   Protection.

   As of Monday morning, it was just 5% contained and the fire along with
   coronavirus precautions made for added stress at an evacuation center,
   said John Medina, an American Red Cross spokesman.

   Volunteers used to "close contact" with evacuees have had to adjust
   their approach during a time of social distancing, Medina said.

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