Thousands of residents east of Los Angeles have been ordered to evacuate as an out-of-control wildfire, known as the Line fire, continues to spread rapidly in the San Bernardino national forest. The blaze has charred more than 23,000 acres of grass and chaparral, with only 3% containment, threatening over 36,000 structures including homes and commercial buildings.
The fire, fuelled by a severe heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 110F (43C) in Los Angeles, has created its own thunderstorm-like weather systems, producing gusty winds and lightning strikes. Firefighters are battling the flames in steep terrain with temperatures exceeding 100F (38C), limiting their ability to control the blaze. Three firefighters have been injured.
Evacuation orders were issued for communities including Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and areas east of Highway 330. Residents described the difficult decision to leave their homes, with some preparing to stay only to change their minds as conditions worsened. Smoke has blanketed downtown San Bernardino, and local schools have cancelled classes for roughly 20,000 students. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino county.
In northern California, firefighters have made progress containing the small but fast-moving Boyles fire near Clearlake, which burned at least 30 homes and destroyed 40 to 50 vehicles. The fire, at 40% containment, displaced approximately 4,000 people. Officials warn that the continuing heatwave, intensified by the climate crisis, is creating conditions for larger and longer-burning fires across the state.
