California fires prompt evacuations

by Leah Zanolla
Nov 16, 2008

Los Angeles firefighters are battling blazes being spread by the Santa Ana winds. The fires have destroyed hundreds of homes and continue to rage, forcing residents to flee to shelters.

Among those ordered to evacuate were 12,600 people living in Anaheim and 10,000 Sylmar residents. Due to the fires in Anaheim, it is being reported that air quality in Disneyland is poor.

In Southeast Los Angeles, 2000 acres have burned in Orange and Riverside counties, leaving more than 100 homes and apartments either damaged or consumed by the flames.

In the upscale community of Montecito which has lost 210 homes during the past two days, it is believed the fires are 60 percent contained.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stated "We're at the mercy of the wind. Mother Nature's not been too good to us for the last 15 hours."

Upon touring the impacted areas, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger commented "When you walk around the areas that were devastated, it looked like hell today." The Governor previously declared a State of Emergency.

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• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM