Woolsey Fire Update: 20 Percent Contained, 250,000 People Displaced

The Woolsey Fire ravaging Malibu and several other Southern California communities has destroyed 370 homes and buildings, Cal Fire officials announced Monday morning, with Santa Ana winds threatening to make it increasingly difficult for firefighters to manage in the days ahead.

The fire, after burning more than 91,500 acres, is now 20 percent contained, according to Cal Fire. 57,000 other structures remain threatened by the blaze. National Weather Service Meteorologist Curt Kaplan warned strong winds could reach up to 60 miles per hour up through Wednesday. The fire is expected to be fully contained by Nov. 17, officials said.

The fire started Thursday afternoon and has led to the evacuation of at least 75,000 homes and more than 250,000 people. Pepperdine University in Malibu has cancelled classes through Thanksgiving due to the fire, according to KTLA 5 in Los Angeles.

The fire has affected the Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura and Hidden Hills areas of Southern California. Residents of Agoura Hills and Westlake Village have been able to return to their homes, starting Sunday night. At least two people have been killed in Southern California, officials said.

Also Read: Neil Young Loses Home in Woolsey Fire, Blasts Climate Change 'Denier' Trump

Gov. Jerry Brown has requested a “major disaster declaration” from President Trump, according to CBS 2 in Los Angeles.

The Woosley Fire has threatened numerous celebrity homes, with Gerard Butler and Miley Cyrus announcing on social media their homes were lost in the blaze.

“Completely devestated [sic] by the fires affecting my community,” Cyrus tweeted. “I am one of the lucky ones. My animals and LOVE OF MY LIFE made it out safely & that’s all that matters right now. My house no longer stands but the memories shared with family & friends stand strong. I am grateful for all I have left. Sending so much love and gratitude to the firefighters and LA country Sheriff’s department!”

Also Read: 2 Deaths Confirmed, as Woolsey Fire Grows to 70,000 Acres