UPDATE: The latest figures indicate that the fires have burned more than 35,000 acres.
A pair of brush fires has closed sections of Highway 101 in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, charred more than 14,000 acres of land, and destroyed or damaged 30 homes.
The Woolsey Fire is the largest of the blazes, starting near Simi Valley Thursday afternoon, and spreading rapidly overnight as strong, gusty wind swept the region. The fire moved through some homes in Oak Park, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks.
On Friday morning, the wind pushed the blaze across Highway 101 near the Ventura-Los Angeles County line, moving the flames towards Malibu. Evacuation orders were issued for most of the beachfront community.
Highway 101 was completely closed to traffic in the Agoura Hills area, with some adjacent surface streets also shut down.
Meanwhile, the Hill Canyon Road fire has also left a section of Highway 101 closed. The 6,000 acre plus blaze is centered around the Camarillo grade. The fire initially caused concern for homes in Newbury Park, but has since moved south towards the ocean.
The fire closed 101 on the grade yesterday, but it has since reopened to northbound traffic. The hot, dry windy conditions were key factors in the spread of the blaze. The wind is expected to ease Friday into Saturday.
