California Wildfire Forces Thousands to Evacuate as Line Fire Grows Rapidly

A big wildfire called the Line Fire is burning in California. It started on Thursday at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains and has now burned 17,459 acres of land by Sunday. The fire has grown over four times in size since Saturday morning. Many people in nearby areas have been told to leave their homes because of the danger. The fire is creating bright red flames and thick smoke that can be seen from far away. 

More than 600 firefighters are working hard to stop the wildfire, but as of Sunday morning, it was still 0% contained, according to Cal Fire, the state fire agency. Three people have been hurt in the fire, but details about their injuries have not been shared.

Strong winds from thunderstorms are making the fire behave unpredictably, causing it to spread in unexpected directions. The vegetation is also very dry, which makes it easier for the fire to burn. Smoke from the fire is causing problems for both firefighters and residents, and there is a risk that new fires could start from afternoon thunderstorms. “Hot and dry conditions with thunderstorms will make it difficult for firefighters over the next few days,” Cal Fire said.

Because of the heavy smoke, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire District advised residents to stay indoors if possible, keep windows and doors closed, and avoid outdoor activities. 

A flash flood warning is also in effect for Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Heavy rains from thunderstorms are occurring near the Line Fire, and there is a risk of flash floods, which could cause serious damage. Landslides are possible, especially in areas that have already been burned by the fire.

Line Fire Creates Its Own Weather

The Line Fire is so strong that it is creating its own weather. It is forming special clouds called pyrocumulus clouds. These clouds can create strong winds that push the fire in different directions, making it harder for firefighters to control. If the fire gets hot enough, the clouds can even create lightning and rain. These are called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, and they can reach heights of 50,000 feet, making their own thunderstorms.

Thousands of People Evacuated

The fire is moving dangerously close to homes. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department ordered about 4,800 homes in the Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake areas to evacuate. Hundreds more people have been evacuated in the cities of Highland, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, and Angelus Oaks. “The Line Fire is very active and spreading quickly,” Cal Fire said. “There are currently 35,405 structures at risk, including homes, commercial buildings, and other small structures.”

There are other fires burning in California too:

Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest: This fire has quickly grown to 200 acres just north of Los Angeles. Several roads in the park have been closed.

  

Boyles Fire near Clearlake, California: Near Clearlake, about 100 miles west of Sacramento, 30 structures are burning. Around 4,000 residents have been told to evacuate. The fire has burned 76 acres and is 10% contained.

Emergency Declared

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County due to the Line Fire. He has obtained a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide more resources for fighting the fire.

Firefighters are working hard to protect homes, but the unpredictable nature of the fire is a big challenge. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua said, “Firefighters have been successful so far, even with the unpredictability of this fire, and we plan to keep it that way. We’re ready to stand and fight.”

If you are in an area affected by the fire, please stay safe and follow all evacuation orders.