Evacuations Mount in Southern California as Wildfire Spreads
- 8,000 ordered to flee their homes near blaze in Ventura County
- While winds ease, weather service says fire risk remains high
Firefighters work to control flames from a backfire during the Maria fire in Santa Paula, California on Nov. 1.
Photographer: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
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A wildfire that erupted near Los Angeles has forced up to 8,000 people to flee as the tail end of a powerful windstorm takes its its final swing at Southern California.
The blaze in Ventura County has ripped through almost 9,000 acres and threatens 2,300 structures, according to local authorities. Edison International has cut power to 625 nearby homes and businesses to prevent live wires from toppling and sparking more infernos.