Photo: Internet

Los Angeles (People's Daily) - A wind-fueled brush fire exploded to about 10,000 acres in Ventura County, California Monday night has forced hundreds of people to flee their homes as widespread blackouts hit areas ranging from Oxnard to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Times reported.

One person was reportedly killed in a traffic accident on a road closed due to the fire. At least two buildings have been destroyed and more than 800 homes in Ventura and Santa Paula were evacuated. More than 260,000 customers in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties were without power.

Four helicopters were to begin making water drops after crews determined that it was safe to fly as the blaze grew rapidly. However, the helicopters were forced land at Santa Paula Airport due to 50-mph (miles per hour) winds at about 9:30 pm.

“Waiting for winds to slow down so we can get back in the fight,” local officials said on Twitter.

Ventura County Fire staffed an extra 100 or so firefighters in anticipation of strong winds that triggered a red flag warning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Weather officials said those regions could see wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph from Monday night to Tuesday.