More than 100 wildfires stretched thousands of firefighters to the limit in northern Portugal on Wednesday, with seven deaths as fires spread out of control over the weekend.

Northern California's Dixie Fire, which has destroyed hundreds of buildings and entire communities, is now considered the second largest in state history.

"Inmates who have stood on the frontlines, battling historic fires should not be denied the right to later become a professional firefighter," Gov. Gavin Newsom said upon signing the bill on Friday.