Containment of the Summit Fire in the Antelope Valley rose to 47% Monday as firefighters continued making progress building control lines and putting out hot spots.
The fire was 31% contained Sunday night. Its progress was stopped at 2,690 acres Sunday and the lone evacuation order was lifted, authorities said.
Tuesday’s operational priorities will be maintaining strict safety protocols while monitoring for potential thunderstorm development, officials said.
”Crews will remain vigilant for erratic outflow winds and dry lighting, which could cause unpredictable fire behavior, while continuing to navigate the hazard of steep terrain and rolling debris.”
The National Weather Service warned of triple-digit temperatures in the area. Winds, meanwhile, were 5 to 7 mph and not expected to increase much beyond that, forecasters said.
Smoke and flare-ups were expected well within the areas that have already burned, officials said, noting that a heat advisory will remain in effect until Tuesday morning.
An extreme heat waring is expected to take effect through Thursday evening.
”The incident footprint will transition into an extreme heat warning beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for ground personnel,” officials said.
On Monday, evacuation warnings remained in place Monday for two zones between Angeles Crest Highway and state Route 138 on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, west of Piñon Hills.
“This cautious approach is due to active incoming winds, potential interior fire behavior and a heavy presence of emergency vehicles operating throughout the area,” according to a statement from the unified command.
“Road closures will also remain in place. Keeping these warnings active ensures that both fire crews and the public remain safe while critical operations continue.”
Officials also announced that drones were prohibited over the area while crews were actively working the fire.
As of Monday, the fire had damaged three residences and destroyed one, as well as damaging two minor structures and destroying one, officials said, adding that crews are continuing to strengthen control lines and ensuring hot spots are extinguished.
One firefighter injury has also been reported. Details about the seriousness of the injury were not immediately available.
The firefighting effort was being handled under the unified command of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino County Fire Department, Cal Fire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.