LAist relies on your reader support, not paywalls.
Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today.
Ranch 2 Fire Updates: What We Know So Far About The Wildfire Burning Near Azusa
A firefighter battles the smoke and flames from the Ranch 2 Fire in the hills in Azusa on Aug. 14, 2020. (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)
A brush fire near Asuza Thursday afternoon spread to more than 2,500 acres overnight, prompting evacuations.
The blaze, now dubbed the Ranch 2 Fire, was reported at 2:45 p.m. in the Azusa Canyon area near North San Gabriel Canyon Road and North Ranch Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. It was threatening homes, but was later reported burning away from the foothill cities and into Angeles National Forest.
Residents of Mountain Cove were asked to evacuate, but that order was lifted late Thursday night, Azusa police announced.
Effective 11pm, evacuations have been lifted & Mountain Cove residents will be allowed to return to their homes. Emergency vehicles will be on-site for the next 72 hours to monitor the fire. The fire has burned 3k acres & 0% contained. Hwy. 39 will remain closed.
— Azusa Police (@AzusaPD) August 14, 2020
Angeles National Forest and police officials at one point reported the fire had grown to 3,000 acres, but reassessed it at 2,500 this morning.
Firefighters "are prioritizing the security of the perimeter along Mount Cove community and Highway 39," officials said, adding that they're bracing for increased fire activity due to high temperatures and dry conditions today. An extreme heat advisory is in effect and temperatures could reach 108 degrees.
There have not been any injuries reported or damages to structures yet, according to the fire officials.
Here's what else we know about the Ranch Fire and firefighters' efforts to contain it.
People stand next to flames rising from the Ranch 2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains above Azusa on Aug. 14, 2020. (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)
THE BASICS
- Acreage: 2,500 acres
- Containment: 0%
- Resources deployed: 100 firefighters
EVACUATION SHELTER (evacuations were lifted late Thursday night)
- Azusa Pacific University | 701 E. Foothill Blvd.
ROAD CLOSURES:
- State Route 39 (northbound) at Sierra Madre Avenue
- State Route 39 (southbound) at East Fork Road
HOW WE’RE REPORTING ON THIS
News producer Itxy Quintanilla is reaching out to fire officials. LAist's Ryan Fonseca is anchoring digital coverage. This is a developing story. 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:
MORE SOCAL FIRE COVERAGE:
- Lake Fire Updates: What We Know So Far As The Wildfire Grows In Lake Hughes
- Is it Really Time For Wildfires Already?
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
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.