Firefighters will continue efforts Monday in hot, dry conditions to contain a 1,048- acre brush fire in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Santa Clarita that was already 48% surrounded by lines of cleared vegetation.
The Bouquet Fire prompted evacuation orders and road closures by midday Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
“Firefighters are battling a flare-up and area residents will see an increase of smoke visible,” the ANF stated shortly after noon Sunday. “Airtankers and helicopters from Angeles’ Fox Field are supporting suppression efforts.”
By Sunday evening, a more optimistic view was posted by Angeles National Forest fire officials.
“Firefighters made good progress along the southern end of the fire perimeter today,” fire officials said. “Most of the fire’s activity was along Bouquet Canyon Road. Ground and Aerial resources concentrated efforts in the area and overall containment moved up to 48% as of this evening. Updated mapping puts the fire at 1,048 acres.”
The fire was reported at 2:16 p.m. Saturday in the 34800 block of Bouquet Canyon Road. It was being fought by firefighters from the ANF and Los Angeles County Fire Department.
An afternoon wind shift Saturday pushed the fire toward structures along Bouquet Canyon Road, prompting requests for structure protection and resulting in evacuation orders. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for some areas, while other neighborhoods were under evacuation warnings. A map of those areas can be found at protect.genasys.com.
A shelter was opened at the Ryan M. Clinkunbroomer Castaic Sports Complex at 31230 Castaic Road. The shelter was also accepting small pets.
Bouquet Canyon Road was closed from Spunky Canyon Road to Vasquez Canyon, and the ANF instituted temporary closures at Rowher Flat Off-Highway Vehicle Area off Vasquez Truck Trail and at Drinkwater OHV Area off San Francisquito Canyon Road for public safety.
On Sunday, the fire was burning in chaparral and grass in an area with limited access and steep terrain. Multiple air tankers were requested Sunday morning.
“Fire activity is expected to increase during the day as temperatures increase and contribute to heating and drying fuels. Heavy fuel loads, high temperatures and low humidities are main factors driving fire growth,” firefighters said.
The cause of the fire was unclear.