Wildfire threatens houses in Calabasa, Los Angeles (pics+vid)

Author: newsroom  | Published: June 5, 2016

5,000 residents have been evacuated so far

A wildfire that broke out on Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles County has forced the evacuation of at least 5,000 people, according to authorities.

The blaze has burned about 500 acres in and around Calabasas, an area where many celebrities live, including Jessica Simpson and Toni Braxton.

It is said that the fire was sparked, when a pickup truck struck a power pole on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas.

About 5,000 residents have been evacuated so far, the majority of which faced mandatory evacuations, according Deputy Jeffrey A. Gordon with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, as CNN reports.

Water-dropping helicopters and hundreds of firefighters are battling the wildfire.

 

Firefighters watch as the "Old Fire" burns a hillside in Calabasas

A smoldering hillside is pictured as the "Old Fire" burns in Calabasas

A helicopter makes a water drop over a hotspot while battling the "Old Fire" burning in Calabasas

A helicopter flies above glowing embers as it makes a water drop run at the "Old Fire", which burned in Calabasas, California

Photo: Reuters