A "major problem" in southeast Tulare County forced hundreds of people out of their homes and endangered thousands of animals.

Dozens of residents were asked to evacuate beginning Friday night. Even more were forced out by water Saturday morning.

Tulare County Sheriff's Department was sent scrambling to notify residents in the area of Strathmore that Frazier Creek Canal spilled over and water levels were rising.

Frazier Creek is directly linked to the Friant-Kern Canal.

The issue was fixed in less than 24 hours, but damage to homes is likely extensive. Crews pumped water from the city streets and Frazier Creek into the Friant-Kern to solve the problem. Read more