US: Over 60K evacuated as California wildfire rages

WASHINGTON

Roughly 60,000 people have been evacuated southeast of Los Angeles, California after a wildfire started early Monday morning in neighboring Orange County.

The fire has consumed roughly 4,000 acres, according to local officials who are asking residents to comply quickly with evacuation orders as the Silverado Fire remains 0% contained. So far, 20,000 homes have been evacuated.

“We are asking everyone to comply with the evacuation orders for their safety and the safety of our first-responders. The City of Irvine continues to open care and reception facilities for our displaced residents,” Irvine Mayor Christina Shea said in a statement

About 500 firefighters have been deployed to help stop the blaze as wind gusts hit speeds of up to 60-70 mph (97 kph 113 kph).

Air operations have been temporarily halted due to the high winds, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.