Firefighters in California are racing to contain a massive flame north of Los Angeles fearing swell temperatures Friday combined with possible gusts could continue the flames.
The Lake Fire burned 11,000 acres this morning and contained only 5% after the outbreak in a dense forest Wednesday afternoon, according to Cal Fire. Hot and dry conditions are expected in Southern California today with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, leading to several counties being placed under excessive heat warnings and watches.
“This is going to be a big fire for several days,” Chief Robert Garcia told the U.S. Forest Service.
A firefighter is working Wednesday against the Lake Fire in Angeles National Forest. (AP)
HEAT WAVE FOLLOWS TO SOUTHWESTTERN US
By Thursday night, the blaze threatened more than 5,400 homes. Its flames roared over ridges and steep slopes, including in some areas that had not burned since 1968, firefighters said.
Light winds and scattered thunderstorms early Thursday helped firefighters put out the flames somewhat, but Friday’s forecast is warning of “near critical” fire conditions due to the heat and potentially good winds, officials added.
Preliminary assessments of damage have found that at least three structures burned, but authorities warned that the toll would likely be higher.
About 100 rural homes have been evacuated in the Lake Hughes area of the Angeles National Forest, about 60 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.
A burning car drives along Pine Canyon Road as the Lake Fire burns in the Angeles National Forest. (AP)
CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS PROVIDES AMERICAN FLAG OF FAST-SPREADING LAKE FIRE
Kenny Reynolds was among those who lost their homes, describing to KABC-TV how the flames came up the hill and across the street, “digs [it] on both sides. “
Reynolds and others pulled her back, “and then it just rolled in,” he said. “It took everything, because it kind of went away.”
Evacuation centers are designated for residents and animals, but because of concerns about coronavirus, people were told to stay in their cars in the parking lots.
The cause of the Lake Fire has meanwhile been investigated.
Firefighters are working near a home as Lake Fire burns in the background Wednesday. (AP)
Several new fires also broke out Thursday, the largest being near the Los Angeles suburb of Azusa. It burned almost 4 square kilometers of brush, but was moving away from houses. However, some evacuations were ordered.
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Another blaze came dangerously close to some homes in Corona, east of Los Angeles, and another fire in eastern Sacramento County burned about 500 acres before firefighters stopped their advance.
The heatwave that is hitting California today is expected to last over the weekend, bringing triple-digit temperatures and extreme fire hazard to various parts of the state.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
