Thousands of people across California remained under evacuation orders Monday as authorities battled wildfires that broke out over the weekend and have burned thousands of acres, and weather officials warned of more high winds and dry weather.
The so-called “Post Fire” began Saturday afternoon and was fanned by strong winds, burning 14,625 acres in dry, mountainous terrain about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Through the weekend, the fire spread south along Interstate 5, prompting mandatory evacuation orders and other warnings.
More than 1,200 people were evacuated from Hungry Valley Park, a popular spot for off-roaders and bikers known for its scenic motorcycle trails. To the south, authorities closed Pyramid Lake, a reservoir popular for weekend boating about 25 miles northwest of Santa Clarita. Evacuation warnings were issued for areas several miles south of Pyramid Lake.
Firefighters battled the blaze approaching Lake Pyramid through the night, but efforts were hampered by poor visibility around the east side of the fire, Cal Fire said. One business building was destroyed by the flames. The cause of the fire is unknown.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Interstate 5 in northwest Los Angeles County, warning of high temperatures, low humidity and wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph through Monday afternoon. Strong northerly winds are also possible on Tuesday.
“These conditions are favourable for the rapid growth and spread of wildfires, including the ongoing Post-Fire Complex Fire,” the weather service said.
Micah Olsen, 20, of Castaic, a suburb northwest of Santa Clarita, said smoke and embers had been blowing into his town since Saturday evening as the fire moved south.
“It’s a haze up in the mountains,” said Olsen, who has never had to evacuate because of a wildfire before and hopes the fire will be out before it reaches populated areas like Castaic.
Evacuations ordered as fires hit Lake Sonoma
In Northern California, firefighters battled new fires that have burned more than 1,000 acres across Sonoma County.
The fire broke out east of Lake Sonoma, about 25 miles northwest of Santa Rosa, and within hours authorities had ordered the evacuation of hundreds of residents between the lake and the small town of Healdsburg. Thousands were under evacuation warnings.
At least one firefighter was injured in the blaze, dubbed the Point Fire, Cal Fire said. About 400 emergency personnel were called to the scene and authorities deployed helicopters, bulldozers, water tankers and 50 fire engines to battle the blaze.
Several buildings were damaged or destroyed, but the exact number was unclear. Firefighters used three helicopters to battle the blaze through the night amid high winds and low humidity, Cal Fire said. As of Monday, the blaze was 20 percent contained, according to the department.
Authorities said they were investigating the cause of the fire.
“Save the Air” advisories were issued for nearby areas, including North Bay and Contra Costa counties, warning that the air could be unhealthy for sensitive populations. Officials temporarily banned wood burning and urged residents to avoid exposure to smoke.
“To protect your health, please stay indoors,” the advisory states.