There are currently multiple wildfires burning across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Diego counties. Schools are closed, highways are shut down and over 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. According to reports, none of the fires are more than 20-percent contained, and with the combination of dry weather and strong winds, we want to make sure all of our California #Roommates are safe out there! Here’s the 411 on where the fires are at now and where they may be headed.
Skirball Fire
Located near the Bel Air area of Los Angeles, this fire was first reported early Wednesday morning and caused the closure of the 405 Freeway. According to ABC News, all lanes of the 405 are currently re-open and firefighters have 20 percent of the flames contained. At least 4 homes have been destroyed and 12 other damaged.
Creek Fire
This fire is currently 10 percent contained and is located in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, affecting the areas of Sylmar, Lake View Terrace, Sunland-Tujunga, and Shadow Hills. According to the National Weather Service, the blaze was caused by dry brush and mandatory evacuation zones are still in effect.
Thomas Fire
At 96,000 acres, CNN is reporting that the Thomas fire could go down as one of the “most destructive fires in state history.” It’s roughly the size of Denver, Colorado and is reportedly only 5 percent contained as of Thursday morning. There is at least one confirmed death. Click here for the evacuation map.
Rye Fire
The Rye Fire, located across 7,000 acres in Santa Clarita, is reportedly 15 percent contained. It sparked on Tuesday, causing all Simi Valley Unified School District schools to close “due to poor air quality and potential fire dangers from neighboring events.”
Lilac Fire
This San Diego blaze grew from 10 acres to 500 acres in less than three hours. It’s destroyed five buildings and is threatening 1,000 more. According to Cal Fire, West Lilac Road, Interstate 15, Gopher Canyon Road and East Vista Way have all been evacuated.
Liberty Fire
This fire broke out on Thursday in the area of Murrieta in Riverside County. It’s grown to 220 acres, and according to ABC 7, evacuation orders are in place for “all roads south of Los Alamos Road, east of Ruth Ellen Way and west of Briggs Road.”
For ways to help, find donation areas here.
TSR STAFF: Myeisha E. @myeisha.essex on IG
