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| California wildfires: Ronald Reagan library evacuated after new blaze erupts near LA – live | California wildfires: Ronald Reagan library evacuated after new blaze erupts near LA – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Mario Koran here, picking up the fire-watch from my colleague Joanna Walters. I’ll be bringing you the day’s wildfire news. Let’s get right to it... | |
| A fire burning in Simi Valley, a suburb north-west of Los Angeles, is currently burning out of control. By 9.15am, the blaze had been underway for three hours, the Los Angeles Times reports. Authorities have dubbed it the Easy fire. | |
| Portions of Simi Valley and the surrounding area are under mandatory evacuation orders and local schools have been closed for the day. | |
| Frustration and anger is building across parts of northern California as utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric has undertaken its third round of sweeping blackouts in a week. | Frustration and anger is building across parts of northern California as utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric has undertaken its third round of sweeping blackouts in a week. |
| The company is oping to prevent its electrical equipment from toppling or coming into contact with branches and sparking fires, amid fierce winds and bone-dry, tinderbox conditions. | The company is oping to prevent its electrical equipment from toppling or coming into contact with branches and sparking fires, amid fierce winds and bone-dry, tinderbox conditions. |
| PG&E said Tuesday’s power shut-offs would affect about 1.5 million people in some 30 counties including the Sierra foothills, wine country and San Francisco Bay Area. | PG&E said Tuesday’s power shut-offs would affect about 1.5 million people in some 30 counties including the Sierra foothills, wine country and San Francisco Bay Area. |
| They included 1 million still without power from a blackout over the weekend. | They included 1 million still without power from a blackout over the weekend. |
| Across the darkened neighborhoods, people worried about charging cellphones and electric vehicles, finding gasoline and cash, staying warm and keeping their food from spoiling, the Associated Press reported a little earlier today. | Across the darkened neighborhoods, people worried about charging cellphones and electric vehicles, finding gasoline and cash, staying warm and keeping their food from spoiling, the Associated Press reported a little earlier today. |
| Some ended up at centers set up by PG&E where people could go to power their electronics and get free water, snacks, flashlights and solar lanterns. | Some ended up at centers set up by PG&E where people could go to power their electronics and get free water, snacks, flashlights and solar lanterns. |
| With no electricity for the fourth straight day, chef and caterer Jane Sykes realized she would have to throw out $1,000 worth of food, including trays of brownies, cupcakes and puff pastry. She also had little hope of getting a good night’s sleep there was no way to run the machine she relies on to counter her apnea. | With no electricity for the fourth straight day, chef and caterer Jane Sykes realized she would have to throw out $1,000 worth of food, including trays of brownies, cupcakes and puff pastry. She also had little hope of getting a good night’s sleep there was no way to run the machine she relies on to counter her apnea. |
| “I don’t think PG&E really thought this through,” she lamented.PG&E officials said they understood the hardships caused by the blackouts but insisted they were necessary. | “I don’t think PG&E really thought this through,” she lamented.PG&E officials said they understood the hardships caused by the blackouts but insisted they were necessary. |
| In Sonoma county, fire officials reported progress in their battle against the 120-square-mile Kincade fire, the largest currently burning in the state, saying it was 30% contained. More than 150,000 people were under evacuation orders. | In Sonoma county, fire officials reported progress in their battle against the 120-square-mile Kincade fire, the largest currently burning in the state, saying it was 30% contained. More than 150,000 people were under evacuation orders. |
| Winds are slower than southern California, but still fierce and the fire danger remains high. | Winds are slower than southern California, but still fierce and the fire danger remains high. |
| In southern California fire crews are busy not only dealing with the new Easy fire but also trying to snuff out fully the wildfire in the celebrity-studded hills of the Los Angeles metropolis that destroyed a dozen homes on Monday, the Getty fire. | In southern California fire crews are busy not only dealing with the new Easy fire but also trying to snuff out fully the wildfire in the celebrity-studded hills of the Los Angeles metropolis that destroyed a dozen homes on Monday, the Getty fire. |
| About 9,000 people, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James, were under evacuation orders from that fire. | About 9,000 people, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James, were under evacuation orders from that fire. |
| The Getty fire was caused when a dry branch from a eucalyptus tree was flung 30ft by high winds early Monday into a city department of water and power line and caused sparks, authorities told the AP. | The Getty fire was caused when a dry branch from a eucalyptus tree was flung 30ft by high winds early Monday into a city department of water and power line and caused sparks, authorities told the AP. |
| LA mayor Eric Garcetti called it an “act of God.” The city had cut away brush and trees from around the line. | LA mayor Eric Garcetti called it an “act of God.” The city had cut away brush and trees from around the line. |
| Meanwhile the National Weather Service issued an unprecedented “extreme red flag warning” for high winds for much of southern California through Thursday evening, indicating the acute risk of fires being started by the dry, hot, windy conditions. | Meanwhile the National Weather Service issued an unprecedented “extreme red flag warning” for high winds for much of southern California through Thursday evening, indicating the acute risk of fires being started by the dry, hot, windy conditions. |
| No deaths have been reported from the fires, but toppled trees have so far claimed three lives. | No deaths have been reported from the fires, but toppled trees have so far claimed three lives. |
| In northern California, the Kincade fire continues to burn, six days after it ignited. | In northern California, the Kincade fire continues to burn, six days after it ignited. |
| Some images of the Easy fire burning in California this morning: | Some images of the Easy fire burning in California this morning: |
| NBC Los Angeles has some good aerial footage of the Easy fire burning near Simi Valley. | NBC Los Angeles has some good aerial footage of the Easy fire burning near Simi Valley. |
| Video: #EasyFire burns near a home below the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. https://t.co/gSbcgVBEg8 pic.twitter.com/1Fsh7o1RfZ | Video: #EasyFire burns near a home below the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. https://t.co/gSbcgVBEg8 pic.twitter.com/1Fsh7o1RfZ |
| And here are some initial details from area website LAist. | And here are some initial details from area website LAist. |
| Here's what we know about the #EasyFire burning in Ventura County:• About 407 acres burned as of 8 a.m.• The fire was rapidly spreading toward the 23 Freeway, per @VCFD_PIO • Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are in place• Read more:https://t.co/nIJo4enZ3Q | Here's what we know about the #EasyFire burning in Ventura County:• About 407 acres burned as of 8 a.m.• The fire was rapidly spreading toward the 23 Freeway, per @VCFD_PIO • Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are in place• Read more:https://t.co/nIJo4enZ3Q |
| Here’s a brief clip of the wildfire, now dubbed the Easy fire, which broke out earlier today, burning near the Ronald Reagan presidential library. | Here’s a brief clip of the wildfire, now dubbed the Easy fire, which broke out earlier today, burning near the Ronald Reagan presidential library. |
| DEVELOPING: A new fire this morning – the Easy Fire – in Simi Valley, California, is threatening the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library; high Santa Ana winds have firefighters bracing for another dangerous day across the state. Complete coverage tonight. https://t.co/Vx5u7PGZO5 pic.twitter.com/wPd84YgRsK | DEVELOPING: A new fire this morning – the Easy Fire – in Simi Valley, California, is threatening the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library; high Santa Ana winds have firefighters bracing for another dangerous day across the state. Complete coverage tonight. https://t.co/Vx5u7PGZO5 pic.twitter.com/wPd84YgRsK |
| And the Guardian video team in London has gathered some footage together of the California blazes. | And the Guardian video team in London has gathered some footage together of the California blazes. |
| The new wildfire that broke out near Simi Valley, in southern California this morning has now forced the evacuation of the Ronald Reagan presidential library and nearby homes. | The new wildfire that broke out near Simi Valley, in southern California this morning has now forced the evacuation of the Ronald Reagan presidential library and nearby homes. |
| The brush fire started just before dawn in the Simi Valley area 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Ventura County officials did not immediately say how big it was or how many people were ordered to leave, the Associated Press reports. | The brush fire started just before dawn in the Simi Valley area 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Ventura County officials did not immediately say how big it was or how many people were ordered to leave, the Associated Press reports. |
| Library spokeswoman Melissa Giller said the hilltop museum in Simi Valley was safe and being protected by firefighters. | Library spokeswoman Melissa Giller said the hilltop museum in Simi Valley was safe and being protected by firefighters. |
| She said hundreds of goats are brought in each year to eat away vegetation that could fuel wildfires on the 300-acre grounds. | She said hundreds of goats are brought in each year to eat away vegetation that could fuel wildfires on the 300-acre grounds. |
| #EasyFire (Simi Valley) - View of the fire getting closer to the Reagan Library from the stream @ https://t.co/uTOL37dUsF - looks to be 5-10 engines there already. pic.twitter.com/3HEIcAZ2Fs | #EasyFire (Simi Valley) - View of the fire getting closer to the Reagan Library from the stream @ https://t.co/uTOL37dUsF - looks to be 5-10 engines there already. pic.twitter.com/3HEIcAZ2Fs |
| Harris issues warning on Simi Valley fire | Harris issues warning on Simi Valley fire |
| California Senator and 2020 candidate Kamala Harris notes in a tweet that schools are closed in districts nearest to the fire burning just outside Simi Valley in southern California, now labeled the Easy fire. | California Senator and 2020 candidate Kamala Harris notes in a tweet that schools are closed in districts nearest to the fire burning just outside Simi Valley in southern California, now labeled the Easy fire. |
| A new fire is quickly spreading in the Simi Valley area and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued. All schools in the Simi Valley and Moorpark districts are closed. Keeping those affected by the #EasyFire in my thoughts—stay safe everyone & please heed evacuation orders. https://t.co/FHN5CAVeRD | A new fire is quickly spreading in the Simi Valley area and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued. All schools in the Simi Valley and Moorpark districts are closed. Keeping those affected by the #EasyFire in my thoughts—stay safe everyone & please heed evacuation orders. https://t.co/FHN5CAVeRD |
| In aerial shots of the Ronald Reagan presidential library, on the edge of Simi Valley, about 20 miles north-west of downtown Los Angeles, a line of flame can be seen in the vicinity – a new brush fire that ignited earlier today. | In aerial shots of the Ronald Reagan presidential library, on the edge of Simi Valley, about 20 miles north-west of downtown Los Angeles, a line of flame can be seen in the vicinity – a new brush fire that ignited earlier today. |
| Areas around the library are under mandatory evacuation order, according to local media. | Areas around the library are under mandatory evacuation order, according to local media. |
| Simi Valley suffered a serious wildfire last fall, too. | Simi Valley suffered a serious wildfire last fall, too. |
| Simi Valley fire update: Areas around the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library are under mandatory evacuation orders. Watch live: https://t.co/CE4gQUcBwh pic.twitter.com/7F6Jas4zri | Simi Valley fire update: Areas around the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library are under mandatory evacuation orders. Watch live: https://t.co/CE4gQUcBwh pic.twitter.com/7F6Jas4zri |
| Out of control fires still have an ominous grip on several parts of California and more than 20 million people are affected in the Golden State this Wednesday morning. | Out of control fires still have an ominous grip on several parts of California and more than 20 million people are affected in the Golden State this Wednesday morning. |
| Firefighters – and there are more than 5,000 of them battling blazes in the northern and southern parts of the state – are worried about what the next 24 hours will bring. | Firefighters – and there are more than 5,000 of them battling blazes in the northern and southern parts of the state – are worried about what the next 24 hours will bring. |
| The seasonal Santa Ana winds blowing down over southern California could be at their strongest for years and today and tomorrow are expected to be particularly dangerous. | The seasonal Santa Ana winds blowing down over southern California could be at their strongest for years and today and tomorrow are expected to be particularly dangerous. |
| There may be gusts up to hurricane strength (which means at least 74mph to register as Category 1 strength) and exceeding 80mph. | There may be gusts up to hurricane strength (which means at least 74mph to register as Category 1 strength) and exceeding 80mph. |
| Those who evacuated when the Getty fire broke out west of downtown LA on Monday remain stuck away from home and there are fears that that fire could reignite and that embers blowing away will spark other fires. | Those who evacuated when the Getty fire broke out west of downtown LA on Monday remain stuck away from home and there are fears that that fire could reignite and that embers blowing away will spark other fires. |
| In northern wine country, the Kincade fire in Sonoma county is burning into its sixth day today. | In northern wine country, the Kincade fire in Sonoma county is burning into its sixth day today. |
| California wildfires: how bad are they and is the climate crisis linked? | California wildfires: how bad are they and is the climate crisis linked? |
| Good morning, wildfire watchers, everyone’s on edge today with the prospect of the seasonal winds being at their strongest, fanning existing fires and sparking new ones. | Good morning, wildfire watchers, everyone’s on edge today with the prospect of the seasonal winds being at their strongest, fanning existing fires and sparking new ones. |
| Power blackouts continue and there are official warnings out of extreme fire danger. | Power blackouts continue and there are official warnings out of extreme fire danger. |
| Here’s where we are as day breaks in California. | Here’s where we are as day breaks in California. |
| A new wildfire has erupted in southern California as strong Santa Ana winds blow down from the hills. TV images showed the fire burning before dawn today in Simi Valley, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, the Associated Press reports this morning. The Ronald Reagan presidential library is in the vicinity. | A new wildfire has erupted in southern California as strong Santa Ana winds blow down from the hills. TV images showed the fire burning before dawn today in Simi Valley, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, the Associated Press reports this morning. The Ronald Reagan presidential library is in the vicinity. |
| Fire danger warnings blanket a large swath of California because of gusty winds and extremely dry air. The National Weather Service says Santa Ana winds developed more slowly than expected in southern California but strong gusts are topping 50 mph. | Fire danger warnings blanket a large swath of California because of gusty winds and extremely dry air. The National Weather Service says Santa Ana winds developed more slowly than expected in southern California but strong gusts are topping 50 mph. |
| So far, the winds have stayed away from the section of Los Angeles that burned Monday in the Getty fire, where there’s concern that smoldering embers could be carried away by gusts and start new fires. | So far, the winds have stayed away from the section of Los Angeles that burned Monday in the Getty fire, where there’s concern that smoldering embers could be carried away by gusts and start new fires. |
| In Northern California, winds are beginning to decline, but forecasters warn that fire danger remains and the Kincade fire is still ablaze. | In Northern California, winds are beginning to decline, but forecasters warn that fire danger remains and the Kincade fire is still ablaze. |
| Utility company Pacific Gas & Electric is cutting power to about 1.5 million people in some 30 counties to prevent high winds from toppling power lines and sparking fires. It’s the third shutoff in a week. | Utility company Pacific Gas & Electric is cutting power to about 1.5 million people in some 30 counties to prevent high winds from toppling power lines and sparking fires. It’s the third shutoff in a week. |