California wildfire destroys hundreds of homes, state of emergency declared

VENTURA, California - A fast-moving wildfire whipped by hot, dry Santa Ana winds destroyed hundreds of homes in and around Ventura, California, on Tuesday as thousands of residents were forced to flee ahead of the flames.

The blaze, dubbed the Thomas Fire, broke out on Monday evening in the foothills above Ventura. Winds quickly drove it west into the city about 80 kilometers northwest of Los Angeles.

By Tuesday evening it remained zero percent contained and had charred more than 20,200 hectares, fire officials said.