Wildfires spark evacuations near Thousand Oaks; the city is in Ventura County, NW LA area, about 40 miles from downtown LA. Background: large in Ventura County.
Recent weeks have seen a rise in rattlesnake bites and coyote attacks in Southern California. A woman was severely injured by a rattlesnake, while a boy was bitten by a coyote. Authorities warn outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and take precautions.
A fast-moving brush fire in Simi Valley, Ventura County, has grown to hundreds of acres with evacuation orders issued for thousands. Firefighters are battling the Sandy Fire as winds push flames toward Thousand Oaks, with multiple aircraft aiding water drops.