A picture released by the European Space Agency (ESA) shows fierce easterly desert winds blowing smoke from wildfires in Southern California. More than 300,000 people were evacuated across California on Tuesday as wildfires raged across the state, prompting President George W. Bush to declare an emergency.(AFP/ESA-HO)
Firefighters watch the progress of the Harris Ranch Fire as it burns towards homes in Spring Valley, California October 23, 2007. Wildfires stoked by fierce winds burned unchecked across Southern California for a third day on Tuesday with 300,000 people in San Diego alone evacuated as flames destroyed or threatened homes from humble forest cabins to luxury villas. REUTERS/Fred Greaves (UNITED STATES)