Thousands of people across California remained under evacuation advisories on Monday as authorities battled wildfires that erupted over the weekend and torched thousands of acres of land while weather officials warned of more strong winds and dry conditions.
The so-called Post Fire broke out Saturday afternoon and, fueled by powerful wind gusts, has burned 14,625 acres of dry, mountainous land about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Through the weekend, as the blaze expanded south along Interstate 5, it triggered mandatory evacuation orders and other warnings.
More than 1,200 people fled from Hungry Valley Park, a popular destination for off-roaders and bikers known for its scenic motorcycle trails. To the south, authorities closed Pyramid Lake, a reservoir popular for weekend boating located about 25 miles northwest of the city of Santa Clarita. A several-mile stretch south of Pyramid Lake was placed under an evacuation warning.
Firefighters battled the blaze as it approached Lake Pyramid overnight, but were hampered by limited visibility as they attempted to establish a perimeter on the fire’s east side, Cal Fire said. One commercial structure has been destroyed by the flames. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the I-5 corridor in northwest Los Angeles County, warning of high temperatures and low humidity as well as wind gusts ranging from 30 to 50 mph through Monday afternoon. Tuesday also could see strong northerly winds.
“These conditions will be favorable for the rapid growth and spread of wildfires, including the ongoing Post Fire complex,” the weather service said.
Mika Olesen, who lives in Castaic, a suburban outpost northwest of Santa Clarita, said smoke and embers have blown into town since Saturday evening as the blaze continues to move south.
“It’s hazy over the the mountains,” Olesen said. The 20-year-old, who has never had to evacuate because of a wildfire, hopes the blaze is defeated before it reaches more populated areas, like Castaic.
Blaze near Lake Sonoma prompts evacuation orders
In northern California, firefighters battled another fire that has engulfed over 1,000 acres across Sonoma County.
Sparked just east of Lake Sonoma, about 25 miles northwest of Santa Rosa, authorities within hours issued an evacuation order for hundreds of residents between the lake and the small city of Healdsburg. Thousands have been placed under evacuation warnings.
At least one firefighter has been injured in the blaze, which has been dubbed the Point Fire, according to Cal Fire. Some 400 first responders have been deployed to the scene where authorities used helicopters, bulldozers, water tenders and 50 fire engines to stamp the fire out.
Multiple structures were damaged and destroyed in the fire, through the exact number of impacted buildings remains unclear. Through the night, firefighters used three helicopters in their latest attempt to quell the flames amid strong winds and low relative humidity, Cal Fire said. As of Monday morning, the blaze was 20% contained.
Authorities said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Nearby areas, including North Bay and Contra Costa counties, issued Spare the Air advisories, warning that the air may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, temporarily banning wood burning and urging residents to avoid smoke exposure.
“Protect your health, stay indoors,” the advisory says.
