A Southern California wildfire doubled in size overnight, causing the evacuation of more than 1,000 campers from a park, closing a popular recreation area on Father’s Day and threatening a major freeway in and out of Los Angeles, authorities said.
The Post Fire was burning out of control Sunday near Gorman, California, in the Tejon Pass area of Los Angeles County. The blaze started just before 2 p.m. PT on Saturday in the mountainous region and gusty winds caused flames to quickly spread to 5,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
On Sunday morning, the fire had grown to more than 11,000 acres with zero percent containment, according to Cal Fire.
Firefighters work against the advancing Post Fire on June 16, 2024, in Gorman, Calif.
Eric Thayer/AP
At least two structures have been damaged by the fire, Cal Fire said. No injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.
More than 300 firefighters, including air tanker crews, are battling the fire from the ground and sky, authorities said.
Firefighters work against the advancing Post Fire on June 16, 2024, in Gorman, Calif.
Eric Thayer/AP
About 1,200 campers at the Hungry Valley Park State Vehicular Recreation Area were ordered to evacuate Saturday night, and authorities closed Pyramid Lake, which was expecting thousands of visitors for Father’s Day, due to the threat of the Post Fire, Cal Fire said.
The fire was burning parallel to Interstate 5, a major artery in and out of Los Angeles. The freeway was briefly closed on Saturday, triggering a traffic jam through the area, officials said.
Firefighters work against the advancing Post Fire on June 16, 2024, in Gorman, Calif.
Eric Thayer/AP
Meanwhile, a second Southern California wildfire was burning near Hesperia in San Bernardino County. The blaze started about 6:49 p.m. PT on Saturday and had burned 1,131 acres by Sunday morning, according to Cal Fire.
The wind-driven fire was pushing east Sunday toward the Arrowhead Equestrian Estates in Hesperia, where residents were under an evacuation warning, according to Cal Fire.
The Hesperia Fire was 5% contained Sunday morning. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A wildfire near Los Angeles has grown to a staggering 11,000 acres, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about the safety of residents in the area. The blaze, which started on Monday afternoon, has been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, making it difficult for firefighters to contain.
The fire, dubbed the “Los Angeles Fire,” has already forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes as it continues to spread rapidly. The flames have been moving quickly through the dry brush and vegetation, threatening homes and wildlife in its path.
Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, using helicopters and air tankers to drop water and fire retardant on the flames. However, the unpredictable nature of wildfires makes it a challenging task, especially with the current weather conditions.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for several communities in the area, urging residents to leave their homes immediately and seek shelter in designated evacuation centers. The safety of residents is the top priority, and officials are working around the clock to ensure that everyone is out of harm’s way.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe that it may have been sparked by human activity. With the dry conditions and high winds in the area, wildfires can easily ignite and spread quickly, posing a serious threat to both property and lives.
As the fire continues to grow, residents are urged to stay informed and follow evacuation orders issued by authorities. It is important to have an emergency plan in place and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice in case the situation worsens.
Wildfires are a natural part of California’s ecosystem, but they can also be destructive and deadly. It is crucial for residents to take precautions and stay vigilant during wildfire season to ensure their safety and the safety of their community.
As firefighters continue to battle the Los Angeles Fire, it is important for residents to stay informed and follow instructions from authorities. By working together and staying prepared, we can help prevent further damage and keep our communities safe during wildfire season.
