Photo: ReutersA fast-moving wildfire whipped by hot, dry Santa Ana winds destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings in and around Ventura, California, on Tuesday as thousands of residents were forced to flee ahead of the flames. By Tuesday afternoon it had yet to be contained and had charred more than 18,000ha and forced thousands to flee their homes. California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency, freeing state funds and resources to assist the more than 1000 firefighters battling to save homes from the conflagration. Photo: ReutersThe Thomas Fire was the largest of several large blazes that broke out across Southern California following the onset of the Santa Ana winds. The Santa Ana winds, which blow in from the California desert, were forecast to top out at 115km and remain strong through the week.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 05, 2017 22:07 UTC