Line fires in California this week has grown rapidly and threatened thousands of homes.
The wildfire started Thursday and, as of Sunday morning, has destroyed about 27 square miles of grass and chaparral on the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest in southern California as more than 600 crews try to contain the blaze.
Cal Fire, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said 35,405 structures, including single and multi-family homes and commercial buildings, are threatened by the wildfire. There were no reports of damage or loss of structures as of Sunday evening.
Governor of California Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency for San Bernardino County on Saturday, unlocking additional state resources and personnel to help firefighters and securing federal aid to support the response to the Line Fire.
“I am thankful President [Joe] Biden For their swift approval of the work of our firefighters and first responders fighting these fires and protecting local communities. It is important that residents in affected areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called upon by local authorities,” the governor said in a statement.
Newsweek Newsom’s office could be reached by telephone and email for comment early Sunday evening.
Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the fires, which have grown amid a days-long heat wave. Temperatures reached triple digits on Saturday and are expected to hover around 80 to 100 degrees on Sunday.
Cal Fire also issued a possible thunderstorm warning over the fire area Sunday, which could cause more damage.
“Afternoon storms can cause new ignitions and potentially influence activity around the fire perimeter. Hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days,” state firefighters said.
A study published in NatureIn 2023, a Science journal found that climate change has increased the risk of severe daily wildfires in California by 25 percent.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has issued evacuation orders for the following areas:
- The area from Calle del Rio to Hwy 38, including Greenspot Road North
- All undeveloped land east of Summertrail Place from Highway 330 and north of Highland Avenue
- Areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18
- Communities of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake
- The area from Highland Avenue east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill to the foothills in the north
- North of Highland Avenue and east of Palm Avenue to Highway 330
Meanwhile, people who need extra time to leave their homes and have pets and livestock in the following areas are advised to leave immediately:
- Boulder Avenue east to the foothills of Church Street and Greenspot Road north
- Church Street east to the city limits and south from the foothills to Greenspot Road
- Green Valley Lake north of Highway 18
- The communities of Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and Valley of Enchantment
- Angeles Oaks, Seven Oaks, Mountain Home Village
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