California’s 2,600-acre Summit Fire burns out of control, forcing mass evacuations

LLANO, CALIFORNIA: A fast-moving wildfire has scorched more than 2,600 acres north of Los Angeles, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as firefighters battle triple-digit heat, gusty winds and dangerously dry conditions that continue to fuel the blaze.

The Summit Fire, which erupted shortly before 1 pm on Friday, July 10, near Jesus Canyon Road and East Avenue Z in Llano, had grown to approximately 2,680 acres by Saturday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Officials said the wildfire remained 0% contained as crews worked to protect homes and other structures in its path.

Around 600 residents ordered to evacuate as fire threatens homes

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for about 600 residents living in and around the Llano area near the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line, roughly 45 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Authorities said multiple structures remained under threat as firefighters deployed protection measures to defend homes from advancing flames. No injuries had been reported as of Saturday.

The American Red Cross and Los Angeles County officials opened an evacuation shelter at the Antelope Valley Family YMCA in Lancaster, while residents with livestock and pets were directed to the LA County Animal Care Center in Palmdale.

Extreme heat, low humidity and winds fuel rapid fire growth

Fire officials said the blaze spread rapidly because of near-100-degree temperatures, critically low humidity and shifting ridge-top winds that pushed flames across dry brush.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District also issued a smoke advisory for northern Los Angeles and Riverside counties as smoke drifted across the San Gabriel Mountains. Residents were advised to remain indoors if they could smell or see smoke.

Meteorologists warned conditions could become even more dangerous in the coming days. The National Weather Service said monsoonal moisture moving into Southern California may bring a 10 per cent to 20 per cent chance of lightning from Sunday through Thursday across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

While some rain is possible, forecasters cautioned that dry lightning and powerful thunderstorm outflow winds could ignite new fires or rapidly spread existing ones.

Another wildfire burns homes in San Bernardino County

The Summit Fire was not the only wildfire stretching emergency resources in Southern California.

In nearby Lucerne Valley, the Allen Fire broke out shortly before noon Friday near Sunset Road and Allen Way, burning multiple homes and outbuildings as strong southerly winds drove the flames toward residential neighborhoods.

San Bernardino County Fire Captain Eric Sherwin said firefighters encountered additional hazards after power lines were knocked down and one burning home containing ammunition began discharging rounds as it burned.

"We do have structures that are involved," Sherwin said.

With extreme heat expected to continue and volatile weather forecast through next week, firefighters remain in a race to prevent the Summit Fire from spreading further and threatening more communities across Southern California.