Wildfires ravage California and Nevada amid heatwave, prompt evacuations and power outages
Wildfires in California and Nevada have spread rapidly after a heat wave that saw triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions — but cooler weather may bring some respite in the firefights.
Wildfires in California and Nevada have spread rapidly after a heat wave that saw triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions — but cooler weather may bring some respite in the firefights.
The Line Fire in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest spans over 25,800 acres as of Monday evening, and stands just 5% contained while threatening some 38,000 structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The blaze, which began Thursday night east of Los Angeles, has thus far forced at least 6,000 people to evacuate.
Heat surrounding the Line Fire created its own weather system Saturday, producing thunderstorm-like pyrocumulus clouds — or fire clouds — which were responsible for 280 lightning strikes hitting the ground, the National Weather Service said. Pyrocumulus clouds have also been seen around two other major Southern California fires: the Airport Fire in Orange County and the Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest.
Firefighters clean burned trees and branches as the Line Fire grows on Sept. 8 in San Bernardino, Calif.Qian Weizhong / VCG via Getty ImagesTuesday is forecast to bring strong winds which “could help fire spread” but mid-week cooling temperatures could also “moderate fire activity and increase fuel moistures,” CalFire said.
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