Amid red flag warnings of critical fire danger, a brush fire erupted in the Azusa area Thursday, threatening structures and prompting evacuation orders as Los Angeles County and Angeles National Forest crews responded.
The fire was reported about 1:15 p.m. near San Gabriel Canyon Road and Mirador Drive and Ranch Road and grew quickly, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
A second alarm was called at 1:34 p.m. as the fire continued to grow and move toward homes. By mid-afternoon, the blaze had grown to between 50 and 60 acres.
Crews on the scene reported some structures were threatened and evacuation orders and warnings were put in place. It was unclear how many homes were impacted by the evacuation order, but an evacuation center was established at the Memorial Park Recreation Center at 340 N. Orange Ave. in Azusa.
The blaze was burning in medium to heavy fuel.
Winds were relatively light at around 7 mph in Azusa, according to the National Weather Service.
Water drops were made by county fire department helicopters, which were drawing water from a nearby reservoir.
Red flag warnings issued by the National Weather Service due to critical fire danger amid Santa Ana winds took effect for much of Los Angeles County beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday, and they will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.