201811.14
0

Woolsey fire flares up near Point Mugu but containment increases to 47 percent

by in News

The troublesome Woolsey fire flared up again Wednesday morning, this time near Point Mugu in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Orange flames could be seen shooting up from a hillside.

Wednesday’s flare-up comes a day after an outbreak scorched 1,000 acres near Lake Sherwood, prompting temporary evacuations in the area.

The latest numbers, updated by officials Wednesday morning, has the Woolsey fire chewing up 97,620 acres — or about 152 square miles. The Woolsey was 47 percent contained, up from Tuesday night’s 40 percent; that means that firefighters were confident that the fire won’t expand beyond 47 percent of the blaze’s perimeter.

The wildfire has claimed the lives of at least two people and destroyed an estimated 435 structures, including several historic landmarks.

Firefighters could be getting some help from Mother Nature as the strong Santa Ana winds that helped the wildfire explode begin to die down early Wednesday.

There is still a wind advisory in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 for portions of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, but the gusts are expected to top out at around 30 mph – compared to 50 mph earlier in the week.

Further good news: An increase in humidity was also expected in upcoming days, according to the National Weather Service.

More details of the Woolsey fire are expected to be released at at 11 a.m. press conference.

This is a developing story. Please check back for details.