455 Dead as 11,000 Flee Massive Wildfire
Southern California Under State of Emergency
Brush Fire Ravages Ventura and Los Angeles Counties
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A fast-moving brush fire in Southern California has killed at least 455 people and forced over 11,000 to evacuate, authorities said Tuesday. The blaze, dubbed the "Thomas Fire," has scorched nearly 230,000 acres since breaking out on Monday afternoon.
The Thomas Fire is the deadliest wildfire in California history, surpassing the 1933 Griffith Park Fire that killed 29.
Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency for Ventura and Los Angeles counties, where the fire is burning. Several cities and towns have been evacuated, including the coastal city of Ventura and the inland town of Santa Paula.
Firefighters are battling the blaze with air tankers and ground crews, but the Santa Ana winds are fanning the flames and making it difficult to contain.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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