A wildfire near Los Angeles has forced more than 10,000 people to evacuate as strong winds drive flames into neighbourhoods, destroying homes. Firefighters are battling intense Santa Ana winds as the fire spreads across 20,000 acres, threatening thousands more residents
More than 10,000 people were evacuated due to a wildfire northwest of Los Angeles as strong seasonal winds drove flames into residential areas, destroying dozens of homes, authorities reported on Thursday.
Firefighters and police evacuated neighborhoods near Camarillo after embers, blown 3.2 kms (2 miles) from the front of the fire, set homes ablaze, said Ventura County Fire Captain Tony McHale.
“It’s like trying to put out a blowtorch with a squirt gun,” he described. The blaze, which ignited in a hillside canyon on Wednesday, rapidly spread westward due to powerful Santa Ana winds.
Fueled by dry grass, scrub, and gusts of up to 130 kph (80 mph), the fire had burned more than 20,000 acres (8,094 hectares) by Thursday evening.
Several civilians were injured, with significant damage to homes and businesses. The Los Angeles Times reported more than 90 homes are destroyed. More than 30,000 residents are at risk, according to Cal Fire.
A red flag warning for high winds remains in place until Friday.
Climate experts say warmer temperatures have led to wetter winters, boosting coastal vegetation growth. This summer's record heat then dried out these areas, increasing fire risk.
The U.S. has already seen 8.1 million acres burn this year, exceeding the average annual rate of 7 million acres over the past decade.
In California, wildfires have so far scorched more than three times the land compared to the same period last year, according to Cal Fire data.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Azerbaijan's commercial gas production saw a growth of over 6%, highlighting a significant boost in the country's energy sector. This increase contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a key player in regional and global energy markets
Azerbaijan has begun the trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a billionaire and former so-called Nagorno-Karabakh official, detained in September 2023 after Azerbaijan’s takeover of the region. He denies wrongdoing and claims his interrogation protocols were falsified.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Briefing: here are the top news stories for January 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus co-chairs honour the 35th anniversary of January 20, reflecting on its impact as a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
Thousands in Belgrade held a silent protest outside RTS, honouring victims of a roof collapse. University students demanded justice for the tragedy, blaming Serbian authorities.
South Korea's impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court to contest his detention extension on insurrection charges tied to his martial law declaration.
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