
On Sunday, strong winds caused flames to spread through dry brush in the mountains near Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles. Authorities advised locals living near the blaze to evacuate in case it grows larger.
The first significant wildfire of the year in Los Angeles County quickly spread to more than 14,000 acres, forcing at least 1,200 campers, off-roaders, and hikers to flee the Hungry Valley leisure area.
There was only 2% containment on the Post Fire. There were no reported injuries. An investigation was underway to determine the cause.
According to Kenichi Haskett, a division chief with the LA County Fire Department, firefighters scrambled to put out spot fires that broke up as erratic winds carried embers ahead of the flames, despite the intense heat and steep terrain. According to him, the winds made it more difficult for the aircraft operators to drop fire retardant and water.
“Water just gets sprayed everywhere we don’t need it when it’s windy.” Which presents a challenge,” Haskett remarked.
In the meantime, workers in Northern California were defending buildings against a minor wildfire that broke out on Sunday and resulted in warnings and orders for evacuation from a remote area of rural estates and vineyards close to Lake Sonoma.
About 80 miles north of San Francisco, strong winds from the northwest caused flames in the woods and brush to spread, creating the so-called Point Fire, which was characterized by a massive column of dark smoke. Based on information from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, it was 15% contained.
The Post Fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in Gorman, California, which is roughly 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, close to Interstate 5. Within the recreation area that was evacuated, two buildings caught fire.
Flames were approaching Pyramid Lake, a well-liked boating location that was closed on Father’s Day out of prudence. Although no homes were under danger on Sunday, authorities advised some of the 19,000 or so residents of Castaic to get ready to evacuate if the fire spreads further south.
“Be ready with a ‘go bag,’ containing overnight clothing, your phone, your medications, and your glasses, if you find yourself in a warning area. Assemble your car and fill it full,” Haskett stated. “Get ready to flee.”
The Los Angeles National Weather Service office warned that low humidity and wind speeds of up to 50 mph were predicted for the whole day, with the possibility of increased wind speed after sunset.
After igniting on Saturday near mountain communities in San Bernardino County, the Hesperia Fire forced road closures and evacuation warnings approximately 75 miles to the east. On Sunday, the fire had scorched 1,100 acres and was 20% contained.