Californians flee as strong winds push fire through canyons
Noah Berger/AP
Bruce McDougal hoses down vegetation while working to save his home from the Bond Fire burning though the Silverado community in Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Powerful winds have pushed flames through Southern California canyons as an out-of-control wildfire burned near homes and forced residents to flee.
The blaze in Orange County’s Silverado Canyon began late Wednesday as a house fire that quickly spread to tinder-dry brush. It exploded in size early Thursday.
Firefighters are struggling in steep terrain amid unpredictable Santa Ana winds that have raised fire danger for much of the region.
The blaze broke out as Southern California utilities cut the power to tens of thousands of customers to avoid the threat of wildfires during the windy weather.
Noah Berger/AP
Flames consume a vintage truck as the Bond Fire burns through the Silverado community in Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter passes a burning tree while battling the Bond Fire in the Silverado community of Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Noah Berger/AP
Bruce McDougal prepares to defend his home as the Bond Fire burns though the Silverado community in Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Noah Berger/AP
Firefighters prepare to battle the Bond Fire burning through the Silverado community in Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Noah Berger/AP
Firefighters battling the Bond Fire haul a hose while working to save a home in the Silverado community in Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Noah Berger/AP
Bruce McDougal watches embers fly over his property as the Bond Fire burns through the Silverado community in Orange County, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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