LOS ANGELES (AP) - A fast-moving wildfire has forced evacuations for 70,000 people in Southern California and seriously injured two firefighters.
Powerful winds across the state have prompted power to be cut to hundreds of thousands to prevent utility equipment from sparking new blazes.
RELATED: Silverado Fire in Southern California doubles to 4,000 acres in matter of hours
The smoky fire in Orange County broke out just before 7 a.m. Monday and quickly threatened neighborhoods in Irvine, a sprawling city of about 280,000 people.
California is extremely dry and fire danger is high as the state experiences winds that are gusting above 60 mph in places. Such winds can knock down power lines and send tree branches into wires, sparking fires.
#SilveradoFire Update:
• 4,000 acres
• 0% containment
• 500 personnel battling the fireFor evacuation and shelter information visit https://t.co/B1Oah5k8G8 pic.twitter.com/PzxuixON5j
— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) October 26, 2020