Rapidly expanding forest blazes encircling Los Angeles are creating concern.
In California, particularly around Los Angeles, a wildfire is causing havoc, burning down numerous homes. Officials in the state announced on Wednesday that the Bridge Fire, which ignited on Sunday in the mountains north of Los Angeles, has impacted Wrightwood and Mount Baldy, along with a popular ski resort. At least 33 houses and several vacation homes have been reduced to ashes. Authorities have urged Massive evacuations.
Resident Jenny Alaniz, who live in a canyon, shared her harrowing experience with KTLA, saying, "The fire came right here and we couldn't take anything with us." She could only save her pets. "Our house is going to burn," she tearfully lamented. Charred remnants of houses and vehicles were visible in Wrightwood.
The fire first broke out on Sunday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles, covering an area of 1,600 hectares by Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon, despite the authorities' best efforts, the blaze had expanded to a staggering 49,000 hectares. The flames tore through dense vegetation, spreading to Wrightwood in San Bernardino County and the Mountain High ski resort.
The ski resort seemed to have escaped major damage. "All primary lifts and structures have weathered the storm with minimal to no damage," the operators announced.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that three individuals, including one of his deputies, were trapped by the flames in an isolated area near Mount Baldy. The rescue operation is being hampered by intense smoke and blocked roads.
Another fire, the Airport Fire, has been spreading southeast of Los Angeles. According to firefighters, the fire has scorched over 8,900 hectares of land and has caused some property damage. Seven individuals have been injured.
The fire began on Monday and has since spread through canyons and mountains, including Santiago Peak, where several communication towers stand. The towers appear to have remained relatively unscathed. Several mountain vacation spots have been evacuated and access roads have been closed.
Authorities in San Bernardino County have arrested a man on suspicion of arson. The fires have been exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave and the subsequent drought in southern California. The heat began to subside on Wednesday.
The intensity of the fire was so high that it even threatened the Mountain High ski resort, but fortunately, all primary lifts and structures managed to withstand the blaze with minimal damage. The fiery inferno left charred remains of houses and vehicles in Wrightwood.
