During the last week, there have been fires in the Santa Clarita Valley. One fire has gotten as large as 200 acres. Another fire is still burning and has prompted mandatory evacuations for many businesses in the area. The Los Angeles National Forest fire has also gotten close to being contained.
Topography determines how far and fast fires spread
Various topographic features can affect how far and fast fires spread in Santa Clarita. These features include landscape features such as ridges and canyons. They also affect fuel availability and moisture. They can also affect how quickly a fire can spread, and firefighters need to be aware of them.
Fires that start near the base of a slope tend to be the biggest. The slope’s aspect and steepness can also affect how quickly a fire spreads. A south-facing slope receives more direct sunlight, which helps fuels burn faster. In addition, steep slopes can cause significant preheating.
Other topographic features that affect fire spread include hills, valleys, and narrow canyons. They can also affect fuels and make firefighters more susceptible to injuries. Coastal scrub, which has a high content of volatile organic compounds, is especially dangerous for firefighters.
Fuels tend to be heavier and less resistant to fire spread when conditions are favorable. On the other hand, green grasses are a good fire deterrent during early summer.
Mandatory evacuations ordered for businesses
Several fires have ignited in the Santa Clarita and Castaic area, forcing mandatory evacuations. The fires are part of a larger weather system bringing heavy rains and winds to the Los Angeles area. This significant storm system could cause flooding and debris flows.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department sent 35 fire engines and 9 hand crews to the area to aid in battling the fires. According to the department, more than 33,000 acres have been destroyed so far.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that a mandatory evacuation had been ordered in the area, including a dozen blocks. The area was also under a flash flood warning, meaning that the risk of flooding is very high.
There were no reported injuries. The Railroad Fire, which started in the hills near Santa Clarita, is estimated to be about 20 acres in size when it was discovered at 5 p.m. The fire has displaced hundreds of residents and caused a few buildings to burn.
Los Angeles National Forest wildfire is 38% contained
Hundreds of firefighters have battled the Lake Fire, which has burned over 26,000 acres of Angeles National Forest since August 12. The fire is moving upslope in medium to heavy vegetation, but fire officials say the blaze is not spreading due to favorable weather conditions.
The fire has destroyed 12 structures, including several homes, and has damaged another. The fire continues to threaten nearly 4,500 structures in the area.
Firefighters are battling steep terrain and dry, drought-stressed trees. They are also facing high temperatures, which will be challenging as the heat wave continues through the weekend and into next week.
A smoke advisory has been issued for parts of the Antelope Valley and San Gabriel Mountains. It warns that unhealthy air will be a concern for residents, as the fire continues to burn in the mountains.
There are still evacuation orders in place for several areas, including the Lake Hughes community. The Lake Fire has burned about 26,213 acres, but fire officials say it will take several days to fully contain the blaze.
Elsmere Fire now reported to be 200 acres in size
Earlier today, the Elsmere Fire had jumped the 14 freeway and was burning near Newhall Avenue. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued evacuation orders for the area. The fire has now grown to 200 acres. It’s burning on both sides of the freeway, and the California Highway Patrol is blocking the 14 freeway with vehicles.
The Elsmere Fire started at 1:30 p.m. and quickly became a third alarm fire. Los Angeles County Air Operations helicopters flew overhead and sized up the fire. It was estimated to be about 10 acres in size.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department downgraded the fire to 130 acres, and the Incident Command rescinded the previous evacuation warning. It’s now 30 percent contained.
The Elsmere Fire had jumped the freeway and was burning on both sides of the freeway. It was near Newhall Avenue and the Sierra Hwy. The California Highway Patrol is blocking the freeway with trucks. It’s estimated that about 100 people had to be evacuated from their homes.
