US: Southern California wildfires continue to burn November 12 /update 4

Event

Twin wildfires continue burning in southern California's Ventura and Los Angeles counties - the Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire, respectively - as of Monday, November 12. Both fires broke out on November 8.

The Woolsey Fire has burned some 34,600 hectares (85,500 acres) and as of late Sunday was only 15 percent contained, with full containment currently predicted for November 17. At least two people have been killed and 177 structures destroyed; another 57,000 structures are threatened. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in all or parts of Bell Canyon, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agouara Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Hidden Hills, Topanga, Monte Nido, Malibu Lake, and Los Angeles’s West Hills neighborhood.

The Hill Fire, which has burned 1830 hectares (4530 acres), has been 75 percent contained (full containment expected November 15). Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for South Coast and the Point Magu Naval Air Station.

A number of roads in the vicinity of the fires have been closed, including parts of highways 101 and 1. Both fires could spread quickly and in unexpected directions in the coming days, with winds of up to 110 km/h (70 mph) forecast. Some associated looting has been reported in affected areas, leading to arrests. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfires, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and closely monitor the situation via the Cal Fire website.