Elderly couple dead, 80 homes burn in California wildfire

(AP) — A vast and voracious wildfire that has burned at least 80 homes in central California killed an elderly couple as they tried to flee, authorities said.

The two were outside their house when they were overcome with smoke, Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said at a Friday evening news conference on the fire that has burned nearly 47 square miles and forced the evacuation of 1,500 homes near Lake Isabella, a popular recreation area east of Bakersfield.

The sheriff said his department hasn't been able to search very extensively and would be looking through burned homes with cadaver dogs seeking more possible victims.

David Klippel, 78, a retired police officer, said he didn't see much of a threat after receiving an automated call advising him to leave.

Scorching heat and tinder-dry conditions across the West have contributed to massive wildfires in the past week that have destroyed properties and sent residents to seek shelter and hope for the best.

Residents described a frantic flight from communities surrounding the lake, a dammed section of the Kern River that is a destination for boating, fishing, rafting, hiking and camping.