Firefighters battle the looming Post Fire in Gorman, Calif., on Sunday. Eric Thayer/AP Hide caption
Toggle caption Eric Thayer/AP
A wildfire northwest of Los Angeles has burned more than 14,600 acres and forced the evacuation of about 1,200 people, according to Cal Fire officials.
Cal Fire said Sunday that the fire, which began around 2 p.m. Saturday in Gorman, Los Angeles County, west of Interstate 5, is growing rapidly and moving southeast toward Pyramid Lake.
Fueled by high winds and low humidity, the so-called “Post Fire” exploded overnight. LAist reports that the blaze spread west into Ventura County, burning 2,000 acres, mostly in Los Padres National Forest.
As of Sunday evening, the fire was 2% contained.
Strong winds that intensified Sunday are expected to continue through at least Monday, complicating firefighting efforts. The National Weather Service said Sunday afternoon that wind gusts in the area reached 55 mph and are expected to reach 70 mph overnight, but will weaken through Monday.
“In particular, conditions will be favorable for the rapid growth and spread of fires. [Sunday night]”The NWS reported.
Evacuation orders have been issued for Hungry Valley Park, where state park officials evacuated about 1,200 people, and for Pyramid Lake, which is closed.
Cal Fire said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation and no injuries were reported.
California’s wildfire season is off to a fiery start, with nearly 41,900 acres burned so far this year, up from the average of 27,100 acres burned during the same period over the past five years, according to Cal Fire data.