California fire: Firefighters make progress against the Madre Fire, more than 32,500 hectares already ravaged

Firefighters, who have been battling a massive forest fire in California for five days, made progress on Monday, July 7, in the face of the flames, six months after the devastating fires that traumatized Los Angeles.

The 1,400 firefighters working to fight the Madre Fire, the largest wildfire so far this year, have contained 30 percent of the blaze, the California Department of Fire and Rescue (CalFire) announced. "Great progress has been made on the outer perimeter of the fire," it said, noting, however, that the flames continue to advance, fueled by an abundance of branches and dry vegetation.

The fire has already consumed more than 32,500 hectares, mostly vegetation, and destroyed one building, according to the latest fire department bulletin. About 200 people have been ordered to evacuate due to the advancing flames, which are also threatening 50 buildings. One firefighter was injured, CalFire reported.

The Madre Fire, whose origin is under investigation, broke out Wednesday afternoon near a major highway in San Luis Obispo County, about 350 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles.

The California Fire Department reported battling more than 65 wildfires in a single day last week across the state, where hotter and drier weather is expected in the coming days.

The fires come as U.S. President Donald Trump is slashing funding for federal agencies tasked with combating climate disasters.

California is still recovering from the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles and killed 30 people in January. The fires consumed 16,000 hectares and destroyed thousands of homes.