Firefighter dies in largest California wildfire

San Francisco, Aug 14  A firefighter died while fighting to contain the largest wildfire in California's history, authorities said.

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection of California said that the firefighter died on Monday after sustaining injuries while working to contain the Mendocino Complex blaze, reports Efe news.

The Mendocino Complex blaze is 68 per cent contained after spreading to more than 349,654 acres, according to the latest report. 

The blaze began on July 27 around Clear Lake, some 200 km north of San Francisco.

More than 3,000 emergency personnel have been working to contain the fire that has destroyed more than 260 buildings.

Official records dating from 1932 show that four of the five most destructive fires in state history have occurred in the last six years.