VENTURA, Calif. _ The fast-moving wildfire above Ventura forced thousands to evacuate their homes early Tuesday.
Authorities said more than 7,700 homes were under the evacuation order. Some homes have burned in the city of Ventura.
An army of firefighters set up strike teams along foothill communities in Ventura and Santa Paula as the Thomas fire, pushed by 50-mph winds, inched close to homes.
The evacuations caused traffic jams on several streets as residents fled. At the same time, firefighters were rushing into the hills to set up defenses.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for people who live in some areas.
