A few days ago, authorities in California warned that winds gusting to 80 mph and drought conditions could cause wildfires north and east of Los Angeles.
Turns out the forecast was more correct than they could have imagined, because blazes have spread north and west of the city, and are increasing in size and, because of wind speeds, they are barely controllable.
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In Ventura County, one resident told The New York Times, “We figured we were trapped.” Even if the population in the areas escapes, hundreds of homes and businesses could be burned to the ground, causing tens of millions of dollars in damage. Over 100 structures are already destroyed or harmed.
A byproduct of the fires is thick smoke moving out to sea and and toward Los Angeles. The dangerous air quality will force people with preexisting conditions indoors — and healthy people may follow them if conditions worsen.