California fires: Year around blazes set to become 'the new normal' as Governor blames climate change

California Governor Jerry Brown has told the state’s residents to get used to destructive wildfires in winter, declaring them “the new normal”. As six major fires ravage southern California, having led to the death of one person and the destruction of hundreds of homes and other buildings, Mr Brown said the state needed to face up to a new challenge. Visiting Ventura County, where the largest of the blazes – the Thomas Fire – is still growing, Mr Brown said drought and climate change mean California faces a “new reality” where lives and property are continually threatened by fire, at a cost of billions of dollars.