With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Columbia Fire burns more than 350 acres in the Antelope Valley
The Columbia Fire was first reported Wednesday afternoon in northern Los Angeles County.
(
CalFire
)
Topline:
The Columbia Fire broke out in the Antelope Valley on Wednesday afternoon, quickly consuming more than 350 acres of desert Mojave Desert grassland habitat.
Where is it: Los Angeles County Fire first was reported the fire at 4 p.m. when it had already burned 50 acres. Within an hour it grew to 350 acres near the 14 Freeway and West Avenue C. It soon stalled, according to L.A. County Fire public information officer Sheila Kelliher Berkoh.
Evacuations had been ordered and no homes were threatened as of Wednesday evening, according to the Fire Department.
Sponsored message
BRUSH FIRE | FS130 | N 60th St. W/ W Avenue C #AntelopeAcres | #LACoFD units are on scene of a brush fire approximately 50 acres with light to medium fuels.#ColumbiaFire
— L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) June 26, 2024
What conditions are like: The National Weather Service said winds in the region are relatively low this afternoon and will likely stay calm overnight. Those conditions could help crews battle the fire on flat ground.
Background: Most of the larger fires that have burned in the area over the past 50 years have been located in the hills, not the flats as this fire is.
Fires have become increasingly common in desert over the past decade, due in large part to invasive grasses bridging the gap between native plants that'd otherwise burn every couple hundred years. Just last year, a record breaking fire destroyed long lived joshua trees and threatened endangered desert tortoise habitat out in the Mojave.
No lightning was reported in the area, meaning the fire is likely human caused.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
