Fires Whip Through California, Thousands Flee for Safety

Tens of thousands are fleeing for safety as fires resulting from an unseasonably long spell of Santa Ana winds continue to plague Southern California, tearing across the region in multiple separate flashpoints since Monday night.

RELATED:
California Thomas Fire: Ventura Burns as Wind-Fueled Firestorm Spans Mountains to Ocean

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Tuesday as well over a thousand firefighters were deployed while state and federal resources were poured into the effort to tame the uncontrollable fire. Dozens of schools in evacuation zones have closed their doors as reports predict the fires will continue throughout the week.

The largest of three, the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, managed to traverse over 65,000 acres, authorities said, leaving a trail of destruction across oil fields and combustible native vegetation. Tuesday's reports estimated the flames consumed about an acre per second.

The Thomas Fire traveled hopped over the state's major highway, the 101 Freeway, before jumping to the other side in its race to the coastline.

“The prospects for containment are not good,” Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen told members of the media. “Really, Mother Nature’s going to decide when we have the ability to put it out.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, the Creek Fire torched 11,000 acres and forced residents of Sylmar and Lake View Terrace from their homes. 

Strong winds caused a third fire, Rye Fire, to erupt in Santa Clarita, which is reportedly 5 percent contained. Two smaller fires appeared in San Bernardino County.

The most recent large fire to break out was the Skirball Fire in Los Angeles County's posh Bel-Air neighborhood. The fire continues to expand after consuming several multi-million dollar mansions.

No fatalities have been registered as a result of the fire. A firefighter was hospitalized after being hit by a vehicle while working to control a house fire, the Los Angeles Times reported.

RELATED: 
In Pictures: 2017 Natural Disasters

“Due to the intensity of the fire, crews are having trouble making access and there are multiple reports of structures on fire,” officials said on Ventura County’s emergency management website.

Southern California Edison has counted around 43,000 homes without power and expects more to follow in the coming days as flames whip along the power transmission paths.

"We expect to be out here all week fighting and containing this fire," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said as forecasters predict strong dry winds until Friday.

Governor Brown announced a curfew for Ventura residents from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to "discourage looting."

In a statement, the official reaffirmed the state’s efforts to fight the fires but advised citizens to be vigilant in case of immediate evacuation.

“This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly, but we'll continue to attack it with all we've got,” Brown said. “It's critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so.”