Is global warming the blame for California wildfires?

California Lieutenant Governor, John Garamendi, blames climate change for the dozens of fires that are burning the state. Nearly 500,000 people have evacuated many parts of California and over 1,200 homes and buildings have been destroyed.

Firefighters are fighting walls of flames that are whipping from mountain passes to the edges of the state's pacific coastline. The fires, most out of control, were merging into larger ones as of this morning.

Climate change is blamed for the wildfires, says Lieutenant Governor, John Garamendi. Garamendi said that the fire season ends at the beginning of Fall, but so far the state is getting hotter, not cooler. California has yet to have a Fall season this year. Temperatures across the state are 10 degrees warmer than average.

California officials expect the total estimate of evacuees to climb as most red flag warnings have been extended until late tomorrow.

Federal disaster officials have arrived in California after President Bush declared a federal emergency for several counties which will help speed disaster relief efforts.

Many people fleeing their homes tried to take as many personal belongings with them, but most ran out of time. Fires are leaping mountains and valleys within minutes. Many of the fires are threatening theme parks such as Magic Mountain.

Is global warming the blame for California wildfires?

California fires have destroyed over 1,200 homes and buildings.