SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Tens of thousands of homes and buildings were threatened by an out-of-control wildfire that raged across a national forest east of Los Angeles on Sunday, and a heatwave that has persisted for days has sent temperatures into the triple digits across the region.
State fire officials say more than 35,000 structures, including single-family homes, multifamily homes and commercial buildings, are under threat, and authorities have issued evacuation orders for several areas. Thunderstorms expected this afternoon could make things even more difficult.
The so-called Line Fire was burning along the San Bernardino National Forest about 65 miles (105 km) east of Los Angeles. By Sunday morning, the fire had burned about 27 square miles (70 km) of grass and chaparral, sending thick clouds of smoke billowing over the area.
“Afternoon thunderstorms could spark new fires and potentially impact activity around the fire perimeter,” state fire officials said in a Sunday morning update. “Hot, dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters over the next few days.”
County officials declared a state of emergency Saturday evening and ordered evacuations for Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, areas east of Highway 330 and other areas.
“The fire spread quickly due to extreme temperatures, winds and lightning,” the county said in a statement.
More firefighters are expected to arrive Sunday. State officials said vegetation in the area was severely dried out, temperatures topped 100 degrees Saturday and relative humidity dropped, creating ideal conditions for the fire to spread.
The fire started Thursday evening and the cause is currently under investigation.
According to state fire officials, more than 600 firefighters were battling the blaze, supported by helicopters and other aircraft that hovered over homes and hillsides, spraying water.
The fire sent thick clouds of smoke billowing up, and flames could be seen shooting up the ridges of the mountain.
No injuries were reported and no homes or other structures were damaged or destroyed.
The National Weather Service said the high temperature in downtown Los Angeles hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44 degrees Celsius) on Friday, the third such high since 1877.
