This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50018039
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Saddleridge fire: Thousands flee wildfire raging round Los Angeles | Saddleridge fire: Thousands flee wildfire raging round Los Angeles |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A fast-moving wildfire has razed over 4,000 acres, forcing thousands to flee just north of Los Angeles, California. | A fast-moving wildfire has razed over 4,000 acres, forcing thousands to flee just north of Los Angeles, California. |
The Saddleridge fire has led to a mandatory evacuation for 25,000 homes, some of which have been destroyed. | |
A bin lorry that dumped burning rubbish sparked another wildfire on Thursday east of LA. | A bin lorry that dumped burning rubbish sparked another wildfire on Thursday east of LA. |
The state's largest utility this week pulled the plug on at least 700,000 customers to prevent wildfires sparked by windblown power lines. | The state's largest utility this week pulled the plug on at least 700,000 customers to prevent wildfires sparked by windblown power lines. |
No injuries have been reported so far in the Saddleridge fire, which was fuelled by gusty winds, warm temperatures and low humidity. | No injuries have been reported so far in the Saddleridge fire, which was fuelled by gusty winds, warm temperatures and low humidity. |
The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire condition warnings for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, cautioning of wind gusts of up to 75mph (120km/h) in the mountains and 55mph by the coasts. | The National Weather Service has issued red flag fire condition warnings for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, cautioning of wind gusts of up to 75mph (120km/h) in the mountains and 55mph by the coasts. |
As of early Friday morning, the Saddleridge fire was zero per cent contained, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Two major highways have been closed due to the flames. | As of early Friday morning, the Saddleridge fire was zero per cent contained, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Two major highways have been closed due to the flames. |
The Los Angeles Times reports 100,000 people live in the evacuation area. | The Los Angeles Times reports 100,000 people live in the evacuation area. |
Authorities have opened shelters for residents forced to abandon their homes. | Authorities have opened shelters for residents forced to abandon their homes. |
The Saddleridge fire started on Thursday night in the San Fernando Valley and has since begun encroaching into northern neighbourhoods of the city. It remains unclear how it started. | The Saddleridge fire started on Thursday night in the San Fernando Valley and has since begun encroaching into northern neighbourhoods of the city. It remains unclear how it started. |
It is one of several fires currently burning in southern California. | It is one of several fires currently burning in southern California. |
The blaze sparked by the garbage truck in Calimesa - a city some 70 miles east of Los Angeles - has spread to 500 acres and destroyed 74 structures, according to officials. | The blaze sparked by the garbage truck in Calimesa - a city some 70 miles east of Los Angeles - has spread to 500 acres and destroyed 74 structures, according to officials. |
That outbreak, dubbed the Sandalwood fire after a local landmark, was 10% contained as of Thursday night. | That outbreak, dubbed the Sandalwood fire after a local landmark, was 10% contained as of Thursday night. |
At least two other smaller wildfires prompted evacuations on Thursday as well. | At least two other smaller wildfires prompted evacuations on Thursday as well. |
Up in the north of the state this week, power company PG&E cut electricity to parts of 22 counties, including portions of the San Francisco Bay Area, as a wildfire prevention method. | Up in the north of the state this week, power company PG&E cut electricity to parts of 22 counties, including portions of the San Francisco Bay Area, as a wildfire prevention method. |
The planned outage was to prevent power lines felled by strong winds sparking fires. Last year, PG&E's fallen power lines started the deadliest wildfire in California's history. | The planned outage was to prevent power lines felled by strong winds sparking fires. Last year, PG&E's fallen power lines started the deadliest wildfire in California's history. |
PG&E has now begun restoring power, though more than 300,000 customers remained in the dark as of Thursday night. | PG&E has now begun restoring power, though more than 300,000 customers remained in the dark as of Thursday night. |
The outages have been difficult for many residents, but particularly those with medical and health needs. | The outages have been difficult for many residents, but particularly those with medical and health needs. |
Local media report that many breastfeeding mothers have been banding together, connecting via online groups to share access to freezers and tips on how to store milk. | Local media report that many breastfeeding mothers have been banding together, connecting via online groups to share access to freezers and tips on how to store milk. |