California’s Line Fire expands to 17,400 acres, prompting evacuations

A brush fire in California has grown to more than 17,400 acres, prompting the evacuation of nearby towns. The Line Fire has been intensifying as firefighters work diligently to manage the blaze, which is currently raging near Highland, California.

Despite having ignited several days ago, the wildfire has expanded rapidly. As of Sunday morning at 9 AM, Cal Fire reported the fire was not yet contained. The lack of containment raises concerns about its ability to spread further.

In response to the situation, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County. This declaration enables the state to access federal grant funds to support firefighting efforts. It also facilitates assistance for individuals needing employment aid or those requiring help with securing copies of important records following the fire.

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has committed to providing a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which will enable California to recover 75 percent of firefighting costs from the federal government.

In his statement, Governor Newsom expressed gratitude to President Biden for promptly approving support for the firefighters and first responders involved in combating the blaze and safeguarding local communities. He stressed the importance of vigilance among residents in impacted areas, advising them to be prepared for immediate evacuation if directed by local authorities.

The fire has triggered widespread evacuations in surrounding communities. Residents of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake have been specifically advised to evacuate, and parts of Highland are also included in the evacuation orders.

Currently, around 35,405 structures are under threat due to the fire. This figure encompasses homes, commercial establishments, and various other structures, as indicated by fire officials.

The wildfire ignited on Thursday at approximately 6:30 PM near Baseline Street and Alpin Street, just outside Highland. By Friday night, it had swollen to 3,832 acres. The fire’s size doubled by Saturday, and it continued to expand significantly overnight into Sunday.

Firefighting efforts are being hampered by challenging weather conditions, including lightning strikes, strong winds, and elevated temperatures. This combination, along with difficult terrain, has made it particularly hard for crews to control the fire.

Cal Fire has indicated that vegetation is exceptionally dry, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday and humidity levels plummeting to the mid-teens. Moreover, there are warnings of potential thunderstorms in the area on Sunday, while an Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for the region throughout the weekend.

As of now, three firefighters have sustained injuries while battling the fire. The situation remains dynamic, and continued efforts are critical as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control and safeguard affected communities.