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Southern California wildfire fueled by Santa Ana winds forces evacuations

Last updated on - Nov 1, 2023, 21:26 IST

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Wildfire driven by desert winds forces evacuations in Riverside County

A Southern California wildfire fueled by desert winds burned 2,487 acres (1,010 hectares), leading to the issuance of evacuation orders for over 4,000 residents in Riverside County, as reported on Tuesday by officials. (Photo Credit - AP)

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Highland fire grows significantly due to Santa Ana winds

The highland fire nearly doubled in size from Monday night to Tuesday, blowing toward the west by Santa Ana winds. The seasonal phenomenon occurs when dry desert air blows toward the ocean, creating a fire hazard in Southern California. (Photo Credit - AP)

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10% containment of fire with ground and aerial efforts

As of Tuesday night, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the fire had achieved a containment level of 10%. Ground crews worked to combat the blaze, while aircraft deployed fuchsia-coloured retardant. (Photo Credit - AP)

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Evacuation orders and warnings impact thousands of residents in wildfire crisis

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesperson Thomas Shoots stated that approximately 1,220 residences and 4,270 residents were subject to mandatory evacuation orders, while an additional 1,136 homes and 3,976 residents received evacuation warnings. (Photo Credit - AP)

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Evacuation centres established for humans and animals

Authorities opened a dedicated centre for evacuees, including humans and animals, with individuals resorting to relocating their recreational vehicles from a nearby resort to a Walmart parking lot in Temecula, approximately 15 miles (25 km) distant. (Photo Credit - AP)

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Evacuees recount harrowing escape from RV Resort

A few individuals mentioned that they departed from the RV resort upon the urging of first responders, managing to evade the flames that subsequently encroached upon the location. "I had to grab dog food and basically just get in my van and leave," said Barb Bommarito. (Photo Credit - AP)

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Elderly resident describes evacuation uncertainty amid mandatory orders

An 85-year-old man named Robert Duke stated that there was uncertainty among people regarding the necessity of the evacuation. He said, “It was made mandatory with law-enforcement cars coming around with red and blue flashing lights and broadcasting ... that we should all leave.” (Photo Credit - AP)

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Ongoing fire threat under investigation with road closures and evacuation orders

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that the cause of the fire was under investigation and emphasized that the fire remained an ongoing threat, leading to the closure of multiple roads and the enforcement of evacuation orders. (Photo Credit - AP)

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Southern California's unusually mild 2023 wildfire season

In 2023, Southern California experienced a relatively calm wildfire season due to an atypical abundance of rainfall, which included the first tropical storm to impact densely inhabited regions of the state in 84 years. (Photo Credit - AP)

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