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Crews Increase Containment Of Wildfires In Gorman And Hesperia
Los Angeles firefighters respond to the Post Fire as it burns through the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area in Lebec on Sunday.
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David Swanson
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AFP via Getty Images
)
Firefighters are battling two fast-moving wildfires in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties that started Saturday and grew overnight, as gusty winds and hot, dry weather conditions this weekend launched the Southland into wildfire season.
Meanwhile, a small brush fire burned for a brief period of time in the Hollywood Hills near HWY 101 at Pilgrimage Bridge on Sunday before it was knocked down by firefighters. No structure was threatened.
Post Fire in Gorman
The Post Fire in Gorman has grown to more than 15,600 acres in size, including about 2,000 acres in Ventura County, but the spread has slowed as of Monday evening. According to fire officials, about 1,150 personnel are deployed to fight the expanding blaze. The fire is now 24% contained.
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Weather forecasters have issued a red flag warning for the Interstate 5 corridor and Southern Ventura County mountains where gusty northwest winds from 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 70 mph are expected. The warning has been extended until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The red flag warning has been extended to the Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 corridor, where gusty northeast winds are expected until Tuesday evening.
The fire was first reported on Saturday at around 1:45 p.m. at Ralph's Ranch and Gorman School roads near the 5 Freeway.
According to fire officials, 1,200 people have been evacuated from Hungry Valley Park. Pyramid Lake is closed.
Evacuation orders have been issued by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (see map)
- Areas west of Interstate 5 between Pyramid Lake and Gorman. This includes the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.
- Pyramid Lake Recreation Area, including Pyramid Lake, South Dam Hiking Trail, Frenchman Flats, and the North Boater Parking Lot.
One commercial property has been destroyed, and one injury has been reported. An adult, who was not a first-responder or firefighter, suffered a lower extremity injury on Sunday, LAist has confirmed.
For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:
The basics
- Acreage: 15,611 acres
- Containment: 24%
- Structures destroyed: 1
- Structures damaged: 0
- Deaths: None
- Injuries: 1
Evacuations
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Evacuation orders have been issued for the following communities:
- The Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, Pyramid Lake, Gorman Post Road and surrounding areas.
A warning is in place for:
- Areas south of Pyramid Lake between Old Ridge Route and the LA County line, including Paradise Ranch Estates.
Anyone under an evacuation warning should be prepared to leave.
#PostFire has increased to 15,610 acres w/ 8% containment. Firefighters are securing the edge & mopping up along the northern perimeter. Hand crews are finding opportunities to build direct line through steep, rugged terrain along the fire’s southern edge. https://t.co/BxafOpNbNU pic.twitter.com/gBkXjEMhWp
— Los Padres NF (@LosPadresNF) June 17, 2024
Hesperia Fire in Hesperia
The Hesperia Fire in San Bernardino County has been updated to 1,078 acres in size. The fire is now 72% contained as of early Monday evening.
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The fire was fire reported on Saturday at 6 p.m., in the area of HWY 173 and Arrowhead Lake Road.
Fire officials say fire crews are working to strengthen control lines and control hot spots.
Evacuations
- An evacuation warning has been issued for Arrowhead Equestrian Estates.
Anyone under an evacuation warning should be prepared to leave.
Road closures
- State Route 173 road closure is in place from the SR 138 junction to Lake Arrowhead Road.
Latest information
For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:
Air quality
Air quality officials from AQMD are alerting residents in Los Angeles, Southern Ventura County and Riverside of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. Reduce your exposure to smoke by staying inside, running an air purifier or air conditioner indoors.
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Look up the latest air quality info for your area at airnow.gov.
How we're reporting this story
This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.
Fire resources
- Every Day Is Fire Season. Here's How Angelenos Can Prepare Right Now
- How To Find Out About Fire Evacuations In Your Area
- How To Keep Yourself Safe From Wildfire Smoke
- The Air Is Brown — Should I Wear A Mask?
- This Is Why Fire Officials Don't Want You To Stay And Defend Your Home
- What Does 'Containment' Of A Fire Mean, Exactly?
- What Does A 'Red Flag Warning' Mean, Exactly?
- What To Do — And Not Do — When You Get Home After A Wildfire
- How To Avoid Getting Towed During LA's Red Flag Parking Restrictions
- If You Want To Help Fire Victims, Resist The Urge To Volunteer
Updated June 18, 2024 at 7:13 AM PDT
This story has been updated with the latest numbers on containment.
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