A rapidly spreading wildfire has forced evacuations in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest, east of Los Angeles, US.
Rising temperatures amid a heatwave reached 112°F (44°C) on Friday, making it harder to control the wildfire, as reported by the Associated Press.
The Line Fire, which ignited on Thursday evening, has burned through 11 square miles (28 sq km) of grass and chaparral, sending thick smoke over nearby communities. Firefighters are battling the wildfire, with over 500 personnel on the ground and air support from water-dropping helicopters.
Officials have warned that the fire has the “potential for large fire growth” within the next 12 hours. Flames have been spotted on ridgelines, with thick smoke continuing to cover the area.
No injuries have been reported, and no homes or structures have been damaged or destroyed so far. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The National Weather Service noted this was only the third time since 1877 that such temperatures had been recorded in the city.
Fire crews remain on high alert as they work to contain the fire.
Rising temperatures amid a heatwave reached 112°F (44°C) on Friday, making it harder to control the wildfire, as reported by the Associated Press.
The Line Fire, which ignited on Thursday evening, has burned through 11 square miles (28 sq km) of grass and chaparral, sending thick smoke over nearby communities. Firefighters are battling the wildfire, with over 500 personnel on the ground and air support from water-dropping helicopters.
Officials have warned that the fire has the “potential for large fire growth” within the next 12 hours. Flames have been spotted on ridgelines, with thick smoke continuing to cover the area.
No injuries have been reported, and no homes or structures have been damaged or destroyed so far. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The National Weather Service noted this was only the third time since 1877 that such temperatures had been recorded in the city.
Fire crews remain on high alert as they work to contain the fire.