At least two people were reported dead in Los Angeles County on Wednesday as multiple life-threatening wildfires burned across the region, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate.
More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed by the fires, which have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire, there are four wildfires currently scorching Los Angeles County: the Palisades Fire, at more than 11,800 acres; the Eaton Fire, at 10,600 acres; the Hurst Fire, about 500 acres; and the Woodley Fire, at 30 acres.
A brush fire started in Ventura County this morning, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
The Olivas Fire broke out near Olivas Park Drive, and according to the Cal Fire website is 0% contained. However, Andrew Dowd, a firefighter with the Ventura County Fire Department, said the blaze was stopped at around 11 acres. “It’s not spreading any further,” he told the Ventura County Star.
Much of Southern California and the area impacted by the wildfires has been experiencing “moderate drought” conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Downtown Los Angeles, for instance, has only received 0.16 inches of rain since May 6, according to the National Weather Service.
No homes or buildings were damaged by the fire, officials said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: Yahoo News
