VENTURA, Calif.–The raging Thomas Fire here that has led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of Californians from their homes has also caused the closure of some credit union branches.
CBC FCU said it has closed its branch in Ventura due to the fire, while Premier America Credit Union has closed a branch in Ventura and another in North Oxnard.
On its website Premier America, which said it closed the branches due to heavy smoke in those areas, is urging members to use its online and mobile services to access their accounts and financial information.
Several different fires are burning in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties. The Thomas Fire is the largest, having scorched more than 50,000 acres and destroying hundreds of structures. High winds are expected to continue to stoke the fires today.
The wildfires in Southern California come just two months after devastating fires in Northern California’s Lake County and Napa areas. In those areas Redwood Credit Union has become a primary source for collecting relief funds for fire victims.