Wildfire east of LA threatens 35,000 homes and buildings

An out-of-control wildfire in the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles threatened tens of thousands of buildings and forced hundreds of residents to flee Sunday amid a days-long heat wave.

The so-called Line Fire was burning along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 105 kilometers east of Los Angeles. As of Sunday morning, the blaze had charred about 70 square kilometers of grass and chaparral, leaving a thick cloud of dark smoke blanketing the area.

The fire burned so hot Saturday that it created its own thunderstorm-like weather systems, which could bring more challenging conditions such as gusty winds and lightning strikes. Firefighters also faced steep terrain, which limited their ability to control the blaze. The fire remained uncontained Sunday afternoon.

State firefighters said three firefighters had been injured and more than 35,000 structures were threatened, including single and multi-family homes and commercial buildings. Thunderstorms expected later in the day could make it even more challenging to rein in the fire.

The affected area is near small mountain towns in the San Bernardino National Forest where Southern California residents ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. Running Springs is on the route to the popular ski resort town of Big Bear.

A small vegetation fire that started Sunday afternoon in Clearlake City, 187 kilometers north of San Francisco, was forcing roughly 4,000 people to evacuate and burning structures. Officials said at least 30 homes and commercial buildings were on fire. Firefighters said they were gaining ground against the blaze Sunday afternoon.

More firefighters were expected to arrive in San Bernadino County Sunday. State officials said vegetation is critically dry in the area and temperatures reached more than 38 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with relative humidity ideal for the fire to spread. The blaze began Thursday evening, and the cause is under investigation.

More than 600 firefighters were battling the fire, supported by water-dropping helicopters that hovered over homes and hillsides, along with other aircraft, according to state firefighters.

The fire produced coiling clouds of dense smoke, and flames could be seen cresting hillside ridges.

The National Weather Service said downtown Los Angeles hit a high of 44 degrees Celsius Friday, which marked the third time since 1877 that a temperature that high has been reached there.

(Cover: The Line Fire over takes the 330 Highway, California, the United States, September 7, 2024. /CFP)