Firefighters were battling a flare-up of a 1,000-acre brush fire in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Santa Clarita Sunday, with increased activity expected during the day due to extreme heat and dry fuels.
The Bouquet Fire, which was 40% contained, had burned 1,049 acres and 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 said shortly after noon Sunday. “Airtankers and helicopters from Angeles’ Fox Field are supporting suppression efforts.”
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.
Northeast winds were expected to continue through the early afternoon hours Sunday, with peak gusts around 15 mph but occasional gusts up to 20 mph possible.
The cause of the fire was unclear.