Cal. wildfires close freeways, create thousands of evacuees

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Updated Dec 7, 2017
Myers Fire: Air tankers make drops over San Bernardino fire. Photo: Cal FireMyers Fire: Air tankers make drops over San Bernardino fire. Photo: Cal Fire

Wildfires raging in Southern California this week have led to thousands of residents evacuating their homes.

A fire out of control in Ventura County reached the Pacific Ocean on December 6 destroying homes along the way. The fire jumped Highway 33 and crossed the 101 Freeway into Solimar Beach, burning 50,500 acres, according to the Los Angeles Times. The 101 Freeway remained opened Wednesday morning, but drivers were urged to be cautions, the Times reports.

Photo: Ventura County Fire DepartmentPhoto: Ventura County Fire Department

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency. About 27,000 people evacuated their homes, according to the Times.

The Times also reported December 6 that the northbound 405 Freeway was closed in Brentwood near the Getty Center, and the Los Angeles Police Department had ordered evacuations of nearby homes and prepared to notify more of impending evacuations.

According to the Times, the Sylma fire jumped the 210 Freeway and spread to the Angeles National Forest; the Santa Clarita fire has caused evacuations and traffic jams; and the San Bernardino fire closed 215 Freeway.