US: Woolsey and Hill fires spread in Southern California November 10 /update 2

Event

The Woolsey and Hill fires, burning in Southern California's Ventura and Los Angeles counties, have spread as of Saturday, November 10, burning over 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres). The Woolsey Fire has left at least two people dead as of Saturday and has forced the evacuations of over 200,000 people in Malibu (Los Angeles county) and Ventura county. Notably, the US-101 highway has been closed in both directions from Valley Circle Boulevard (Los Angeles) to Reyes Adobe Road (Agoura Hills) and the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) is closed in both directions from Trancas Canyon Road to Sunset Boulevard and southbound lanes are closed at Point Mugu Naval Air Station. Dozens of schools have also been closed in affected areas. Consequent air transportation disruptions (including delays and cancelations) are possible at regional airports due to smoke from the fires. Additional evacuations, road closures, and school closures are to be expected in the affected areas over the coming days as the fires spread.

Context

The Woolsey and Hill fires both started in the afternoon (local time) of November 8 near Thousand Oaks, north of US-101. Wildfires and brush fires are common in California from May through November.

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 (e.g. road closures, evacuation notices), and closely monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.