|
By mid-afternoon it had consumed more than 500 acres (200
hectares) of dry brush and damaged at least one home, according
to the Ventura County Fire Department.
The flames were pushed by morning gusts that topped 30 mph (48
kph) but were subsiding later in the day, said according to fire
department spokesperson Scott Dettorre.
“As the sun sets, those winds will calm down even more,”
Dettorre said.
Evacuation orders and warnings were issued for several
neighborhoods in Simi Valley, a city of more than 125,000 people
that was shrouded in smoke as helicopters performed water drops.
Dettorre didn't know exactly how many people were ordered to
leave.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, perched on a
hillside a few miles away, said it was closed for the day
because of the fire.
The cause is under investigation.
Meanwhile, firefighters were battling a 15-square-mile
(39-square-km) blaze on Santa Rosa Island, the second-largest of
the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast. The fire
destroyed a cabin and an equipment shed and forced the
evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees.
Santa Rosa, a popular destination for camping and hiking, is
home to island foxes, spotted skunks and elephant seals.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
