Authorities issue extreme red flag warning as California fires continue to spread

An “extreme red flag warning” has been issued in southern California, marking the first such alert of its kind.

The warning, issued by the Los Angeles weather service, covers Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties.The winds are expected to reach 128kmph and there is concern they will help the fire, which has already burned through 658 acres, spread.

Some 1,100 firefighters are tackling the fire and over 10,000 structures are at risk, authorities say.

At least eight homes have been destroyed by the Getty fire and five others damaged. About 5% of the fire is contained so far, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said that the more than 7,000 residents evacuated so far should not plan on returning home until conditions are safe.

Basketball star LeBron James and actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger are among those who have evacuated their homes.

Via BBC/LA Times