Volunteers from First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, Mo., help paint drywall in Mississippi. (DNN photo by Heather Moyer)
Credit: Disaster News Network

A 17,000-acre wildfire in northwestern Los Angeles forced several hundred people to evacuate on Thursday.

The fire was burning across ridges that stretch for 10 miles along the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Firefighters hoped calmer winds would help them better contain the blaze.

Smoke hanging over the San Fernando Valley area prompted some schools to close because of health concerns.

On Thursday afternoon, the blaze was threatening mainly multi-million dollar homes. One home had burned.

Residents in parts of the suburbs of Chatsworth, Oak Park, Box Canyon, Woolsey Canyon, Bell Canyon, Lake Manor and Old Agoura evacuated, some to shelters in Los Angeles and Ventura County. At least 45 people were staying at the Canoga Park High School.

The fire was 5 percent contained on Thursday afternoon.

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