Firefighters were battling a sizable brush fire Saturday that erupted in the Antelope Valley community of Llano, prompting evacuation orders and warnings.
The Summit Fire had burned at least 2,677 acres as of Saturday afternoon and remained at 0% containment, but officials were hoping that would change soon.
“Growth is moderating. We’re taking advantage of lower temperatures today to make some progress,” San Bernardino Fire Department Capt. Eric Sherwin told City News Service on Saturday. “We’re hoping to have some containment numbers by sunset.”
Local temperatures were in the upper 90s Saturday, but were expected to drop to the lower 90s Monday.
“Overnight weather conditions created tactical opportunities allowing crews to create defensive positions to reduce the fire’s ability to spread. Firefighters will continue to fight active fire sources while providing structure defense for residences in the affected areas,” the Angeles National Forest reported Saturday.
“Weather today continues to be hot and dry with temperatures approaching 100 degrees with relative humidity in the single digits and winds gusting up to 25 mph along ridge tops. The current state of the weather and vegetation create the potential for rapid fire growth and significant fire behavior.”
The was reported at about 12:50 p.m. Friday near Jesus Canyon Road and East Avenue Z, near the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line. Local temperatures were in the mid-90s on Friday.
An evacuation order was issued for the area of East Avenue Z and Fort Tejon Road, while evacuation warnings were established in other nearby areas.
Those under evacuation orders were being directed to the Antelope Valley Family YMCA at 4300 110th St. West in Lancaster. Small pets were being sheltered at the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center-Palmdale, 38550 Sierra Highway.
At least 10 air tankers were dispatched to the help dump water on the fire, with incident commanders requesting additional aerial support late Friday afternoon. By 9 p.m., the LACFD reported that the fire had increased to 2,709 acres.
No injuries were reported, but crews on the scene reported some outbuildings had been damaged or destroyed, and occupied structures were in the path of the flames.
The fire burned into the Angeles National Forest and was advancing toward San Bernardino County.
The firefighting effort was being handled under the unified command of the LACFD, the U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino County Fire, Cal Fire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Officials also announced that drones were prohibited over the area while crews were actively working the fire.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory that will be in effect until at least 5 p.m. Saturday. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also issued a smoke advisory for portions of the county due to smoke from the Summit Fire. It will also be in effect until at least 5 p.m. Saturday.