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Station Fire Tripled in Size; 10,000 Homes Threatened
Photo by nathanielperales via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
The Station Fire, which began on Thursday in the Angeles National Forest, made short work of tearing through the hilly acreage of the San Gabriel foothills that haven't burned in decades. Now estimated at over 20,000 acres in size, the fire is moving northward currently, and is expected to pose a threat to the community of Acton, according to an abc7 live newscast.
Hundreds of firefighters worked to bring the fire to 5% containment, but by late afternoon had again lost control of the blaze. "Heavy smoke clung to the mountains and created a hot and massive convection column that limited the evening aerial fire fight," explains the LA Times. As of this morning the "unstoppable" blaze has returned to a 5% containment level, but a half dozen communities remain on alert, and 10,000 homes are threatened. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for communities in Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, La Cañada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Big Tujunga Canyon.
Evacuation centers have been established at La Cañada High School in La Cañada-Flintridge, Jackson Elementary in Altadena, and Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta (school is scheduled to begin at LCHS and CVHS on Monday; no word on if the fire will affect schools in the area as of yet).
Most Angelenos are affected by the Station Fire by means of the unhealthful smoky air, falling ash, and the visible plumes and drifts of smoke. Emergency officials remind residents not to call 911 to inquire about the fire smoke, and people are urged to remain indoors and out of the harmful air. The Station Fire is expected to burn for at least another week.
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