LOS ANGELES — Two massive fires were burning out of control in the San Fernando Valley Monday, devouring more than 10,000 acres and forcing thousands to evacuate.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the burn areas, and fire officials warned that the winds were expected to worsen overnight. The deaths of at least two people were linked to the fires.
In Porter Ranch, an area 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, a blaze consumed more than 5,000 acres, jumping California Highway 118. The freeway was covered in smoke, and one motorist was killed in an accident authorities believe was linked to the fire.
Fire officials warned residents in the western San Fernando Valley and eastern Ventura County that they could be ordered to evacuate at any moment. At least 19 homes and other structures have burned.
In Lake View Terrace, in the northeast San Fernando Valley, a 5,300-acre wildfire destroyed about 30 mobile homes Monday as more neighborhoods were evacuated and critical patients were moved from a medical center. Officials confirmed that a homeless man and his dog were killed by the fire.
Smaller fires broke out in Newport Beach, Santa Clarita, San Bernardino, Santa Paula and Camp Pendleton.
In northern California, a blaze charred more than half of Angel Island in San Francisco Bay but spared historical structures on the island.
