Windswept Fires Force Evacuations in Two Counties
Windswept wildland fires in Riverside and Ventura counties have forced the evacuation of hundreds of local residents, the leading edge of what could be a record-setting fire season.
Early this morning, more than 1,500 residents along the 101 corridor in Ventura County were evacuated as a fast-moving brush fire swept near the city of Camarillo. The Springs Fire grew rapidly from a 100 acre blaze to cover more than 2,000 acres, with 0% containment as of Thursday morning. Firefighters are battling extreme conditions and hot temperatures.
The Summit Fire in Riverside Co. has grown to more than 3,000 acres, fanned by Santa Ana winds gusting to more than 40 mph. Hundreds were evacuated from the city of Banning, though as of this morning, CAL FIRE reported that evacuation orders had been lifted. At last report, the blaze was listed as 40% contained.
The blazes are the worst of a bad lot that only figures to get worse as time goes on. CAL FIRE reported late last week that the number of incidents is already running 45% ahead of last year's pace.
SPRINGS FIRE UPDATES HERE (Ventura Co. Fire Facebook)
SUMMIT FIRE UPDATES (from CAL FIRE) HERE
WATCH: Coverage from KNBC-4 in Los Angeles
