Los Angeles County declares state of emergency

Sunday, 06 Dec, 2017 0

A state of emergency has been declared in Los Angeles County as fast-moving wildfires spread across Southern California.

Thousands of people have been forced to flee the blaze, which has burned at least 55,000 acres of land.

In downtown Ventura, multiple homes are on fire, forcing more than 38,000 people to evacuate.

The fire is pushing west towards the Pacific Ocean and critical conditions are expected until Friday.

Officials said the blaze started as a 50-acre brush fire in foothills east of Santa Paula at around 6.30pm on Monday but due to strong winds and dry weather, fire fighters have been unable to contain it.

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the US with the following statement: "Three large wildfires in Ventura and Los Angeles County are actively destroying homes and other structures.

"Thousands are under mandatory evacuation orders. Several smaller fires have developed in the region and the fire risk remains extremely high.

"The fires are being exacerbated by dry conditions and sustained winds around 35-45 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 80 miles per hour. Under these conditions wildfires can spread swiftly, so you should remain cautious. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of local law enforcement officials, including any evacuation orders."



 

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Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk



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