By Wednesday, a wildfire near Los Angeles had expanded by over 1,000%, burning dozens of homes and prompting a state of emergency. Known as the Bridge Fire, it is one of three major wildfires around the city, driven by a severe heatwave and strong winds.
Authorities have issued broad evacuation orders as the blaze has devastated areas including Wrightwood and Mt Baldy, destroying at least 33 homes, several cabins, and spreading to a ski resort.
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The fire, which began in Angeles National Forest, has consumed 49,000 acres (20,000 hectares) and enveloped Los Angeles in thick smoke. Local resident Jenny Alaniz described the chaos, highlighting the desperate situation as the fire neared her home.
Three Trapped
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported that three individuals, including one deputy, were trapped by the wildfire in a remote area near Mt. Baldy. Efforts to rescue them are being hindered by thick smoke and blocked roads. Air rescue crews and LA County Fire are working to evacuate them once visibility improves, while a four-by-four vehicle is also being deployed.
The Bridge Fire has caused significant destruction in Wrightwood, resulting in numerous home losses and mandatory evacuations. Southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire has expanded, damaging homes and injuring seven people. This fire, which started on Monday, has burned over 22,000 acres and is approaching Lake Elsinore, with some structures and vehicles already destroyed.
Northeast of the city, the Line Fire has scorched nearly 35,000 acres, prompting evacuations in several mountain communities. Major roads in the area are blocked, and San Bernardino County police have arrested 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg from Norco on suspicion of igniting the blaze.
Herculean Effort
California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has declared a state of emergency due to the wildfires, visited the command center for the Line Fire on Wednesday. He emphasized that the state is using all available resources to tackle the fires and is coordinating closely with federal and local partners.
Over 5,700 emergency responders, numerous aircraft, and more than 500 fire engines are engaged in fighting the blazes. Newsom expressed gratitude to the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect residents.
While a persistent heat wave has been affecting southern California, it began to subside on Wednesday, offering hope that cooler temperatures might aid firefighting efforts. Wildfires, although common in California, are particularly severe this year due to the abundance of dried vegetation from a wet winter and hot summer.
