October 22, 2007

Thousands Evacuated In California Fires

Dry weather and hurricane-strength Santa Ana winds sent wildfires racing through much of southern California this weekend. Malibu, San Diego and areas around Los Angeles are all threatened by the fires that picked up early yesterday morning and spread quickly. More than 10,000 homes in the path of the blaze have been evacuated; one person has been killed and several others, including some firefighters, have been injured.

Firefighters say the blaze is zero percent contained, and Los Angeles County Fire Chief Michael Freeman said in a briefing yesterday that the Malibu fire wouldn't be under control until at least tomorrow or Wednesday. Officials speculated that downed power lines may have started that fire.

The fires are fueled by dry brush resulting from a record drought this year -- the same drought that prompted the governor of Georgia to declare a state of emergency Saturday and ask President Bush for immediate federal assistance. Drought conditions are afflicting a swath of Southern states from Alabama to North Carolina.

The Los Angeles Times has continuing updates from reporters on the scene of the fires, and the San Diego Union-Tribune has breaking news on road closures and other details.

Posted at 7:48 AM
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