Arizona crews aid in battling fast-moving wildfire east of Los Angeles
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP/AZFamily) -- Thousands of homes and buildings east of Los Angeles are under threat from an uncontrolled wildfire.
California firefighters said more than 35,000 structures, including single—and multi-family homes and commercial buildings, are threatened. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for several areas.
The so-called Line Fire was burning along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles east of LA.
On Monday morning the fire was estimated at over 20,000 acres.
As of Sunday morning, the blaze had charred about 27 square miles of grass and chaparral, leaving a thick cloud of dark smoke blanketing the area.
“Afternoon thunderstorms could cause new ignitions and potentially influence activity around the fire perimeter,” state firefighters said in a Sunday morning update.
“Hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days.”
County officials declared an emergency Saturday evening and issued evacuation orders for Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, areas east of Highway 330, and other regions.
“Extreme temperatures, wind, and lightning strikes have allowed the fire to grow rapidly,” the county said in a statement.
More firefighters were expected to arrive Sunday. A crew from the Flagstaff Fire Department has been on the front line, helping in the battle against the intense flames.
State officials said the area’s vegetation is critically dry. Temperatures reached more than 100 degrees on Saturday, and relative humidity dipped, providing ideal conditions for the fire to spread.
The fire began Thursday evening, and the cause is under investigation.
According to state firefighters, more than 600 firefighters were battling the blaze, supported by water-dropping helicopters that hovered over homes and hillsides, along with other aircraft.
The fire produced coiling clouds of dense smoke, and flames could be seen cresting hillside ridges.
No injuries were reported, and no homes or other structures had been damaged or destroyed.
The National Weather Service said downtown Los Angeles hit a high of 112 degrees Fahrenheit Friday, marking the third time since 1877 that a high temperature has been reached there.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
