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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)

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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.

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.

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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.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:

MORE SOCAL FIRE COVERAGE:

FIRE RESOURCES

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