"GORMAN, Calif. — Strong winds pushed flames through dry brush in mountains along Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Sunday, and officials warned residents in the wildfire’s path to be prepared to leave if it explodes in size again.
Los Angeles County’s first major wildfire of the year swiftly grew to nearly 23 square miles (60 square kilometers), one day after it forced the evacuation of at least 1,200 campers, off-roaders and hikers from the Hungry Valley recreation area.
The blaze, dubbed the Post Fire, was just 2% contained Sunday evening. No injuries were reported. The cause was under investigation.
Firefighters working in sweltering conditions and steep terrain raced to douse spot fires that erupted as unpredictable winds blew embers ahead of the flames, said Kenichi Haskett, a section chief for the LA County Fire Department. The gusts also hampered efforts by aircraft crews to drop water and fire retardant, he said."
Ryan Sun reports for the Associated Press June 16, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"Post Fire Near Gorman Burns More Than 12,000 Acres, Prompts Evacuations" (Los Angeles Times)
Current Incident Map (CalFire)
"Hundreds Evacuated, Structures Burn As Point Fire Grows Past 1,000 Acres" (CBS News)
"Wildfire Smoke Prematurely Killed Over 50,000 Californians In A Decade – Study" (Guardian)
"In Southern California, a Wildfire That May Foreshadow a Hazardous Summer" (New York Times)
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