Almost 27,000 Acres Razed By California Wildfires; Governor Declares State Of Emergency In LA, Ventura Counties

Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - The wildfires blazing through Southern California razed almost 27,000 acres, killed two people and forced thousands of residents to leave their homes.

The wildfires have three major points.

The first is the Sesnon fire, which ignited Monday and had doubled in size overnight to cover 10,000 acres and force over 2,000 homeowners to flee their houses. According to Inspector Sam Padilla of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Sesnon fire was not yet contained as of Tuesday.

The second blaze was at the San Fernando Valley, where firefighters had success in battling the fire.

The third fire at Marek in Little Tujunga and Kahal canyons, was 70 percent out, but it had burned almost 5,000 acres and 44 buildings, while 1,800 residents had to leave their homes.

The Santa Ana winds, blowing for the first time this fall, have fanned the flames at times bringing gusts of up to 60 mph. Although the winds slowed down on Tuesday, almost 3,000 firemen on the scene were prepared for the return of the gusts.

Ventura County Fire Department spokesman Tom Kruschke told the San Francisco Chronicle, "The potential for heavy winds is there... We'll have to wait and see what Mother Nature brings us."

Because of the widespread effect of the wildfires, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.