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California wildfires: Ronald Reagan library evacuated after new blaze erupts near LA – live California wildfires: teams fight to save Reagan library as blaze approaches – live
(32 minutes later)
A small brushfire that officials are referring to as the Mureau fire has kicked up in Calabasas, an area just north of Malibu. It has grown to five acres and the Los Angeles Fire Department is telling area residents to be prepared to evacuated.
The Los Angeles Times reports that aerial video shows that the fire ignited in the area where the Woolsey fire took place last year, a burn that left a scar so deep that it’s visible from space.
California’s neighbors to the east are sending reinforcements to help the Golden State battle wildfires, reports the Associated Press.
Fire agencies in Montana are sending 20 engines and 72 firefighters to California while Idaho plans to send five fire engines and 17 personnel.
Currently more than 5,000 firefighters in California are working the wildfires.
Fire has reached the doorstep of the Reagan Library, as firefighters dig in to save the structure.Fire has reached the doorstep of the Reagan Library, as firefighters dig in to save the structure.
The Los Angeles Time reports that the fast-moving, Easy fire burning outside the library Wednesday morning forced a number of people inside the structure to shelter in place: The Los Angeles Times reports that the fast-moving Easy fire, burning outside the library Wednesday morning, forced a number of people inside the structure to shelter in place:
Firefighters were at the facility prepared to provide structure protection. The flames were being held back by an aggressive ground and aerial attack on the ridges beyond Simi’s modern residential estates.Firefighters were at the facility prepared to provide structure protection. The flames were being held back by an aggressive ground and aerial attack on the ridges beyond Simi’s modern residential estates.
Helicopters repeatedly dropped loads of water behind the library in 60-mph winds, turning the flames on the ridge 300 feet below into smoke. Amid wind gusts strong enough to knock a person off balance, two super-scooper planes dipped down behind the library before unleashing such a volume of water it created its own rainbow. Helicopters repeatedly dropped loads of water behind the library in 60mph winds, turning the flames on the ridge 300ft below into smoke. Amid wind gusts strong enough to knock a person off balance, two super-scooper planes dipped down behind the library before unleashing such a volume of water it created its own rainbow.
Photographers on the scene have captured some remarkable images.Photographers on the scene have captured some remarkable images.
Air Force One sits on display at #reaganlibrary as the #easyfire burns in the hills of Simi Valley. #latimes @latimes pic.twitter.com/xdnS1QGVCcAir Force One sits on display at #reaganlibrary as the #easyfire burns in the hills of Simi Valley. #latimes @latimes pic.twitter.com/xdnS1QGVCc
#Easyfire structure defense near the Reagan library just now. On assignment for @washingtonpost pic.twitter.com/YShaImf65Y#Easyfire structure defense near the Reagan library just now. On assignment for @washingtonpost pic.twitter.com/YShaImf65Y
More than 1 m people in northern California were still without power on Wednesday as Pacific Gas & Electric initiated a new round of blackouts in 22 counties, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. More than 1 million people in northern California were still without power on Wednesday as Pacific Gas & Electric initiated a new round of blackouts in 22 counties, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Parts of northern Calfornia, including areas just east and north of San Francisco, were spared from the blackouts after weather took a favorable turn. One area spared from an addtional blackout was San Rafael, in Marin County, which on Tuesday morning was just blinking to life after a shut down that lasted several days. Parts of northern California, including areas just east and north of San Francisco, were spared from the blackouts after weather took a favorable turn. One area spared from an additional blackout was San Rafael, in Marin county, which on Tuesday morning was just blinking to life after a shutdown that lasted several days.
Residents there talked to me about the financial impact the blackouts would have on them and their families. Eddie, who works at a nearby restaurant, told me he had been out of work for four days after the lights went out at his place of business. He said the blackouts had affected the entire community and closed the grocery stores that were close enough for him to reach by foot.Residents there talked to me about the financial impact the blackouts would have on them and their families. Eddie, who works at a nearby restaurant, told me he had been out of work for four days after the lights went out at his place of business. He said the blackouts had affected the entire community and closed the grocery stores that were close enough for him to reach by foot.
“Schools have been closed. Nobody can go out and buy groceries. This area is really taking a hit and losing profit,” Eddie said.“Schools have been closed. Nobody can go out and buy groceries. This area is really taking a hit and losing profit,” Eddie said.
Across the street from the transit station — where trains weren’t running thanks to the blackout — Colonial Liquor had just opened its doors after two days without power. Across the street from the transit station – where trains weren’t running thanks to the blackout – Colonial Liquor had just opened its doors after two days without power.
The man behind the counter, who declined to give his name, said, “I’m going to have to work for sixth months straight to make up what I lost.” The man behind the counter, who declined to give his name, said: “I’m going to have to work for six months straight to make up what I lost.”
Bill Horton waited an extra hour for a bus to take him to his job in Petaluma because the trains weren’t running.Bill Horton waited an extra hour for a bus to take him to his job in Petaluma because the trains weren’t running.
“I’ll be OK,” Horton said. “But so many of the people you see here riding public transit, they live pay check to pay check. They fight over those hours. They can’t afford to lose several days wages.”“I’ll be OK,” Horton said. “But so many of the people you see here riding public transit, they live pay check to pay check. They fight over those hours. They can’t afford to lose several days wages.”
The Eucalyptus tree has been something of a menace in the history of California wildfires and has played a role in sparking the Getty fire in west Los Angeles, officials say. The eucalyptus tree has been something of a menace in the history of California wildfires and has played a role in sparking the Getty fire in west Los Angeles, officials say.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Tuesday that video footage shows a branch breaking off a eucalyptus tree and sparking the fire. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which operates the lines, said the utility recently cleared away nearby brush to reduce the risk of fire, but the the branch came from outside the clearance area. The mayor called it “an act of God.” (The fact that the wind played a signficant role in sparking the fire is a good illustration of why PG&E began shutting off power to begin with). Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles mayor, said Tuesday that video footage shows a branch breaking off a eucalyptus tree and sparking the fire. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which operates the lines, said the utility recently cleared away nearby brush to reduce the risk of fire, but the the branch came from outside the clearance area. The mayor called it “an act of God”. (The fact that the wind played a significant role in sparking the fire is a good illustration of why PG&E began shutting off power to begin with).
The Los Angeles Times published video of what is believed to be the moment the Getty fire started.The Los Angeles Times published video of what is believed to be the moment the Getty fire started.
The Eucalyptus tree isn’t native to Calfornia is actually considered an invasive species. Not only can the trees alter fire patterns and soil moisture, but Eucalyptus oil is highly flammable and in some places have been known to explode when they catch fire. The eucalyptus tree isn’t native to California is actually considered an invasive species. Not only can the trees alter fire patterns and soil moisture, but eucalyptus oil is highly flammable and in some places have been known to explode when they catch fire.
That’s why efforts have been made in California to clear away the tress in an effort to reduce fire risk.That’s why efforts have been made in California to clear away the tress in an effort to reduce fire risk.
KQED published this explainer several years ago on the tree’s role in fires:KQED published this explainer several years ago on the tree’s role in fires:
Fifteen major fires roared through 9,000 acres of the East Bay Hills between 1923 and 1992, incinerating some 4,000 homes and killing 26 people. The Oakland “Tunnel” fire, considered the worst in California history, caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage, destroyed more than 3,000 homes and killed 25 people. Following the Oakland fire, disaster experts urged large landowners in the East Bay Hills to work together to manage vegetation to prevent another catastrophic wildfire, says Tom Klatt, who manages environmental projects for UC Berkeley and serves on the UC Fire Mitigation Committee.Fifteen major fires roared through 9,000 acres of the East Bay Hills between 1923 and 1992, incinerating some 4,000 homes and killing 26 people. The Oakland “Tunnel” fire, considered the worst in California history, caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage, destroyed more than 3,000 homes and killed 25 people. Following the Oakland fire, disaster experts urged large landowners in the East Bay Hills to work together to manage vegetation to prevent another catastrophic wildfire, says Tom Klatt, who manages environmental projects for UC Berkeley and serves on the UC Fire Mitigation Committee.
In early October, when PG&E started shutting off power in the area around Oakland as a way to reduce the threat of fire, I visited the Oakland Hills neighborhood and spoke with one home owner who had lived through the devastating fire in ‘92 and rebuilt her home on the same spot. She’s made sure to clear away the Eucalyptus trees on her property since then, she told me.In early October, when PG&E started shutting off power in the area around Oakland as a way to reduce the threat of fire, I visited the Oakland Hills neighborhood and spoke with one home owner who had lived through the devastating fire in ‘92 and rebuilt her home on the same spot. She’s made sure to clear away the Eucalyptus trees on her property since then, she told me.
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...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.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.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/1Fsh7o1RfZVideo: #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/nIJo4enZ3QHere'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/wPd84YgRsKDEVELOPING: 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 fireHarris 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/FHN5CAVeRDA 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/7F6Jas4zriSimi 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.