New wildfire sweeps California forcing thousands to flee

A new wildfire in California grew to nearly 9,000 acres yesterday sending thousands of people fleeing the area. The fire is further stretching resources in a state struggling with a spate of wildfires this season.

The Maria Fire erupted, as the  crews continue to battle multiple blazes that have broken out across the state in the last two weeks, prompting massive evacuations and power cuts. About  8,000 people are under evacuation orders and at least two structures had been burned.

Briefing media, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said, fire crews are being thwarted by



people flying drones in the area which is creating a very significant hazard for airborne fire fighting assets.

 

An extreme red flag warning issued for the Los Angeles area this week was lifted on Thursday. However,  the National Weather Service has warned that so-called Santa Ana winds could still wreak havoc through today evening.

The blazes come as California is still reeling from the aftermath of the most destructive wildfire in state history -- the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 86 people last year.