Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images
- At least 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes in Irvine, California.
- A wildfire that began Monday morning has already scorched 7,200 acres.
- Two firefighters have suffered critical injuries fighting the blaze.
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The Silverado Fire in Southern California has forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people from the city of Irvine.
The wildfire began as a 10-acre blaze on Monday morning. Aided by winds as strong as 70 mph, it scorched 7,200 acres by Monday evening, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. About 500 firefighters are battling the fire, which is 0% contained.
“I just want to say our number one focus is to protect our residents, ensure their safety, their animals’ safety, and I want to encourage all other residents affected by the smoke to close their windows,” Irvine Mayor Christina Shea said Monday, the Voice of OC reported.
Screenshot/City of Irvine
An estimated 60,000 people had fled their homes by Monday night, when officials in Irvine expanded their evacuation order to cover a population of about 100,000 — more than a third of the city’s residents.
Two firefighters have been critically injured while fighting the blaze, suffering second- and third-degree burns, CNN reported.
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1320889107942240256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
#BlueRidgeFire Update:
•1170 homes under evac order
•481 homes under voluntary evacuation
1,651 total homes effected by the fire.
One home reported damaged. Waiting on verification of extent of damage. pic.twitter.com/V6WrKQL737
Earlier on Monday, the University of California, Irvine, announced the cancellation of all classes.
No deaths have been reported.