Wind-whipped fires rage across California as lights go out

GEYSERVILLE, Calif. - Fast-growing fires throughout California forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes Thursday as dry winds and high heat fed flames and fears in the state still jittery from devastating wildfires in the past two years.

The dramatic fires and evacuations - near Los Angeles and in the wine country of Northern California - came against a backdrop of power shutoffs that utility companies said were necessary to stop high winds from toppling trees or blowing debris into power lines and starting fires.

http://www.startribune.com/californians-hit-with-2nd-round-of-sweeping-blackouts/563762352/