California Fire: Over 600 firefighters on the ground, highways closed and residents evacuated

A wildfire northwest of Los Angeles burned about 485 hectares yesterday, leading to the closure of parts of an important highway and evacuations, fire officials said, reports the Patria News Agency.

More than 600 firefighters battled the flames in the Solimar Beach area of Ventura County, 104 km from Los Angeles, and parts of the US Highway 101, which runs along the Pacific coast, were closed, fire officials said at a press conference.

There are no reports of injuries, officials said. No structures were damaged in the fire, but the nearby Union Pacific railway line was closed for a time, and the fire threatens oil, gas, and power lines.

The fire is only 10 percent contained and will take at least three days to fully extinguish, officials said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The fire started on Friday evening near Ventura, and strong winds of up to 80 km/h and dry vegetation led to its rapid spread. The Solimar Beach settlement with 50 to 60 houses and a nearby campsite have been evacuated, writes Index.