Multiple wildfires in SoCal continue to burn prompting massive evacuations
Firefighters are racing to save thousands of homes in Southern California as three large wildfires have now burned more than 83,000 acres.
A number of structures and homes have been burned and hundreds of firefighters are on the fire lines.
These fires, fueled by strong winds, and more than 100,000 people have been evacuated. Overnight there was still no sign of relief.
Two of the fires are in Los Angeles County, those are the Rye and Creek Fires. Another fire is in Ventura County-- the Thomas Fire.
Governor Jerry Brown has declared a State of Emergency for all three fires.
THOMAS FIRE
The biggest and most destructive wildfire burning is the Thomas Fire. The wind-driven fire exploded to 65,000 acres since it broke out Monday and there is still no containment Wednesday morning. It even jumped Highway 101 last night at Solimar Beach, northwest of the city of Ventura, nearly reaching the ocean and forcing new evacuations.
While people in the area had to evacuate, fire officials said the lack of vegetation softened the blow of the fire crossing the highway.
At least 150 structures have already been destroyed and 30,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
CREEK FIRE
In Los Angeles County firefighters are battling a growing brush fire near Sylmar and Lake View Terrace amid red flag and high wind warnings.
The Creek Fire has charred 11,000 acres with no containment.
Fire crews said at least 30 structures have been destroyed in the blaze. The wind-driven blaze was first reported early Tuesday morning as a 100-acre fire, but quickly spread.
About 115,000 residents were affected by evacuation orders and about 200 LAPD officers were also deployed to assist with evacuations.
RYE FIRE
Also in Los Angeles County, firefighters are slowly getting a handle on a fast-moving brush fire in Santa Clarita that prompted evacuations of homes and schools in the area.
The Rye Fire broke out Tuesday morning and has charred 7,000 acres and is five-percent contained Wednesday morning.
The five freeway was temporarily shut down Tuesday near State Route 126 due to the expanding blaze-- but later reopened. Smoke from the fire could even be seen in Valencia near Magic Mountain.
SKIRBALL FIRE
Another fire sparked Wednesday morning which they are calling the Skirball Fire. It was last reported at 50-acres burning near homes and the Getty Center along the 405 freeway.
Northbound lanes have been shut down.
As for the cause of each fire is still unknown at this time.
