SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – In a significant development, evacuations were expanded on Saturday as a raging wildfire, known as the Line Fire, scorched the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest. This disaster comes amid a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits across Southern California.
The Line Fire has been burning uncontrollably near the San Bernardino National Forest, located approximately 65 miles east of Los Angeles. As of Saturday afternoon, the blaze had consumed around 11 square miles of grassland and chaparral, resulting in a thick plume of dark smoke enveloping the region.
The fire ignited Thursday evening, and authorities are currently investigating its cause.
Approximately 500 firefighters are on the front lines, utilizing water-dropping helicopters and other aircraft to combat the flames that are threatening the area.
Fire officials have warned that the blaze has the potential for rapid growth in the next 12 hours.
Visuals from the scene reveal coiling clouds of dense smoke, with flames visible cresting the hillside ridges.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and all homes and structures remain undamaged.
The National Weather Service recorded temperatures reaching 112 degrees Fahrenheit in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, marking a significant event as it is only the third occurrence of such extreme temperatures since 1877.
