California’s Line Fire threatens 35,000 buildings as residents flee expanding flames
An early-fall heat wave caused humidity levels to drop and temperatures to rise. More than 25 million residents along the West Coast were under heat alerts as many experienced temperatures reaching the triple digits. CAL FIRE reported battling at least nine large blazes that ignited since the beginning of September.
California's Line Fire explodes in size as residents flee advancing flames
Homeowners in San Bernardino County in California have been told to flee their homes as the advancing Line Fire exploded in size, scorching more than 17,000 acres as of Sunday.
HIGHLAND, Calif. – The Line Fire burning in San Bernardino County in California exploded in size overnight, scorching more than 17,000 acres as nervous homeowners gathered belongings and fled the area as flames continue to advance and threaten more than 35,000 buildings.
CAL FIRE reported that the wildfire, which is about 70 miles east of Los Angeles, began on Thursday, and nearly 630 fire personnel are working to contain the blaze.
Watch: Crews battle intense flames as California's Line Fire continues to devour landscape
A dramatic video shows firefighters tirelessly working to try and contain and extinguish the Line Fire in California's San Bernardino County, which exploded to more than 17,000 acres on Sunday.
As of Sunday, no structures have been impacted by the Line Fire. However, CAL FIRE said more than 35,405 buildings, including single- and multi-family homes, commercial buildings and other minor structures on the outskirts of the Highland community continue to be threatened by the advancing flames.
Three firefighters were injured while fighting the fire, CAL FIRE reported.
"It’s crucial to understand the difference between an Evacuation Warning and an Evacuation Order. An Evacuation Warning means conditions could worsen, and you should prepare to leave. An Evacuation Order means conditions are immediately dangerous, and you must evacuate for your safety. Knowing the distinction can help you act quickly and stay safe in an emergency," the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department posted on social media.
Smoke from the Line Fire has created unhealthy air quality in Highland and areas surrounding the blaze, according to Airnow.gov.
Due to the fire, schools in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District will be closed on Monday. However, classrooms in the San Bernardino Unified School District will remain open.
"We will maintain protocols for inclement weather due to the heat and outdoor air quality, therefore, students will remain indoors and will be served meals as regularly scheduled. All of our classrooms are equipped with hospital-grade HEPA air filtration systems, and our AC units have one of the highest MERV-rated filters available. Together, these systems ensure that students and staff can access clean air," Superintendent Mauricio V. Arellano wrote in a letter to students and their families.
California governor declares state of emergency due to Line Fire
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday declared a state of emergency due to the Line Fire, moving quickly to support the state's efforts to battle the growing blaze.
In addition, Newsom said California was able to secure a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to ensure the availability of vital resources to continue beating back the flames.
"I thank President Biden for his swift approval of support for the work of our firefighters and first responders battling this fire and protecting local communities," Newsom said in a statement. "It's critical that residents in the impacted areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called for by local authorities."
NO, CALIFORNIA’S EXTREME HEAT DID NOT CAUSE A SERIES OF EARTHQUAKES
California firefighters facing challenging conditions while fighting Line Fire
Watch: Timelapse video shows California's Line Fire explode in size
Hundreds of fires are continuing to try and contain and extinguish the Line Fire, which exploded to more than 17,000 acres on Sunday. A timelapse video shows flames and thick smoke blanketing the area.
An early-fall heat wave led to increased temperatures and decreased humidity, creating challenging conditions for firefighters.
More than 25 million residents were under heat alerts as thermometer readings reached the triple digits across several Western states.
Time-lapse video: California wildfire explodes in size
Officials issued evacuation notices in eastern San Bernardino County on Saturday due to the Line Fire, which consumed more than 7,000 acres. More than 500 personnel are working to contain the flames.
CAL FIRE reported battling at least nine large blazes that have ignited since the beginning of September.
Forecasters expect only limited moisture in the Golden State over the next week, but any chance of rainfall comes with the risk of lightning, which can be detrimental to firefighting efforts.
HOW THE LAY OF THE LAND AFFECTS WILDFIRE BEHAVIOR
ONGOING LANDSLIDE NEAR LOS ANGELES CAUSES WEEKS-LONG POWER SHUTOFFS AS HEAT WAVE SIZZLES REGION
California is in the peak of its fire season, which typically runs from August through October, but can vary depending on weather patterns.
So far in 2024, CAL FIRE reported 5,755 wildfires have consumed more than 800,000 acres and have damaged or destroyed nearly 1,300 structures.
The state’s largest fire burned more than 429,000 in Northern California and was known as the Park Fire.
Investigators tied the blaze to arson after witnesses said a resident pushed a burning car off an embankment, starting the inferno.