Tens of thousands of homes and buildings remain threatened at this time by an out-of-control wildfire burning east of Los Angeles amid a heat wave that has been going on for days, which pushed the temperatures in the entire region to over 39 degrees, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
California state firefighters said three of their colleagues were injured and more than 35,000 buildings were threatened, including single-family and multi-family homes and commercial properties, while authorities issued evacuation orders for several locations. Thunderstorms expected later today could make conditions even more difficult.
The fire is burning along the protected San Bernardino Forest, located about 100 km. east of Los Angeles. This morning the fire has charred about 70 sq km of grass and brush, leaving a thick cloud of dark smoke covering the area.
„Afternoon thunderstorms could cause new outbreaks and potentially impact activity around the fire perimeter,” the state fire service said in an update. “Hot and dry conditions combined with thunderstorms are expected to challenge the fire service over the coming days,” they added.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the towns of Running Springs and Arolbear Lake (Populations of about 5,200 and 720 – ed.).
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County on Saturday night.
Additional forces are expected to arrive to deal with the disaster. State officials said vegetation in the area is critically dry, temperatures are high and relative humidity is low, providing ideal conditions for the storm to spread.
The fire broke out on Thursday evening, and the causes are being clarified.