Hours regs suspended for certain drivers in wake of California wildfire

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A wildfire that has burned more than 90,000 acres in Ventura County, California, has prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to issue a State of Emergency for the county, suspending hours-of-service regulations for certain drivers. The fire has also caused several highway closures in the area.

Drivers who aid in the removal and disposal of waste and debris caused by the fire will be able to operate under suspended hours rules. The suspension only applies to those who are helping in clean-up and recovery efforts.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fire has burned at least 90,000 acres as of 9 p.m. Pacific time Wednesday, and it is only 5 percent contained. Mandatory evacuations are in place for the cities of Santa Paula and Ventura.

Portions of U.S. Highway 101 and California Highways 150, 33 and 126 are closed in certain areas, along with many city and county roads.