Skirball Fire Pictures And Videos: Wildfire Rages Near 405 Freeway, Bel Air

A fast-moving wildfire broke out near California’s 405 Freeway Wednesday morning, rampaging through the area and causing evacuations in surrounding towns. The Skirball Fire was spread across at least 150 acres at last estimate, authorities said.

More than 350 firefighters were deployed to the scene along with 52 fire engines and six aircraft, officials said. Mandatory evacuations were in place for parts of Bel Air and at least four homes were already destroyed, the Los Angeles Times reported. Residents in Sullivan Canyon and Mandeville Canyon were told to be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

“We are losing some property and that is tragic, but the most important thing is peoples’ lives,” said City Councilman Paul Koretz.

It remained unclear whether there were any injuries resulting from the Thomas Fire. School systems in the area closed down as the fire continued to spread. UCLA announced classes were voluntary Wednesday and urged all faculty and students living off-campus to stay home.

Photos and videos posted on social media from people near the Skirball Fire showed Armageddon-like conditions near the 405 Freeway. Some posted videos of their commutes before the highway was shut down in both directions. A black sky surrounded by fire and ash covered the region as firefighters worked tirelessly at the scene. Even those not directly affected by the flames reported that the air quality was hazardous in the region.

“Today was the scariest morning commute of my life,” one person wrote alongside a jaw-dropping photo.

Firefighting resources were stretched in as other fires, including the Creek Fire and the Thomas Fire, raged on elsewhere in Southern California. The Thomas Fire spread to an estimated 65,000 acres in Ventura County and was zero percent contained. The Creek Fire, meanwhile, spread to about 11,000 acres and was also zero percent contained.

The strongest Santa Ana winds of the season drove multiple wildfires in Southern California this week. High winds combined with heavy smoke and blowing ash hindered firefighters’ ability to contain those fires, including the Skirball Fire. Wind speeds could increase in the coming days, reaching as much as 60 mph through Thursday, officials said.

“These are days that break your heart,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said, according to the New York Times. “These are also days that show the resilience of our city.”