High winds forced new evacuations due to the wildfires around Los Angeles Thursday morning, although some major freeways that had been closed were able to reopen.
The Los Angeles Times reports that officials have issued a new evacuation order in Ojai Valley as the Ventura Fire, which has thus far burned about 90,000 acres, continues to rage. The fire is burning in an area to the north and east of Highway 150 and on the west side of Highway 33, while a separate fire was burning along the coast into Santa Barbara County.
According to USA Today, the Santa Ana winds and bone-dry conditions, which have fueled the blaze, are expected to continue Thursday into Saturday, with fears winds could hit speeds of up to 80 mph.
“There will be no ability to fight fires in this type of wind,” Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott told USA Today. “This will be about evacuation and getting people out from in front of any fires that start in these type of conditions.”
Both the Getty Center and Skirball Center remained closed Thursday, although select private events at the Skirball Center could still take place.
In terms of hotels, the Hotel Angeleno reports that officials were able to reopen all lanes of the 405 freeway and the Sunset intersection as of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, meaning that there are no longer any evacuations or other traffic restrictions impacting the immediate area around the hotel.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains open, with no adverse impact to arriving or departing aircraft. Airport officials have warned travelers, however, to expect delays due to increased traffic throughout the region’s streets and freeways. Travelers planning to use the LAX FlyAway’s Van Nuys route should allow for additional travel time, as it was impacted by the closure of 405.
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