A new large fire east of Los Angeles threatens more than 35,000 houses, a large part of which are residential.
“Zero percent is under control,” writes The Los Angeles Times.
The fire started Thursday and is still raging in San Bernardino National Park. During Sunday, the fire has spread in the very dry forest area and is according to The Los Angeles Times 7,000 hectares large.
“Zero percent is under control,” writes the newspaper.
Over 600 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has nevertheless spread very quickly over the weekend and doubled in size.
During late Sunday, a thunderstorm is expected, which is believed to worsen the situation, the fire service warns. On the one hand, lightning risks causing new fires, and on the other hand, the storm prevents aircraft from assisting in the extinguishing work.
They are trying to fight the fire in steep terrain that is almost impossible to reach from the ground, the National Weather Service’s Dave Munyan told the LA Times, noting:
The weather is really not cooperating with the firefighters.
A heat wave has been plaguing Southern California for the past week, and on Friday it was 44 degrees in downtown Los Angeles.
The next few days also look to be warm. During late Sunday, a thunderstorm is also expected, which risks worsening the situation, the fire service warns, according to AP.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and pledged federal aid to help with firefighting efforts as well as those who may lose their homes or businesses.