Firefighters are battling a brush that is believed to have originated in a homeless encampment in southern California.
Footage of the fire shows large plumes of smoke along a busy Los Angeles County freeway Thursday night.
Despite its dramatic appearance, the fire, which covered about four hectares, did not pose a threat to any structures. However, it closed Interstates 605 and 105, causing major traffic jams.
The fire comes amid rising temperatures in Los Angeles, with some areas forecast to reach triple digits this weekend.
California is also in the midst of a wildfire season that meteorologists say has lengthened over the years due to drier conditions and warmer-than-normal temperatures caused by climate change.
Firefighters battle a brush fire believed to have started at a homeless encampment in southern California
Firefighters believe the inferno broke out in Norwalk along the San Gabriel River, where the two freeways converge, around 6 p.m. local time on Thursday.
Initial reports indicated the fire started on the side of the interstate at the site of a possible homeless encampment, county dispatchers told The Los Angeles Times.
At least six fire engines responded to the blaze, which had spread to four hectares by 6.48pm. Crews were seen spraying water on the fire.
Firefighters faced “difficult” challenges as they tried to extinguish the blaze due to its location on the side of the road, CBS Los Angeles reported. Officials essentially limited themselves to supplying water to trucks.
At 8 p.m., the scene was still active, but the fire was contained, according to the dispatcher. The smell of smoke could be felt as far away as nearby Fullerton, La Mirada and Brea.
The California Highway Patrol announced at 8:11 p.m. that several sections of the interstate would be closed for at least two hours. It is not yet clear if the roads have since reopened.
At least six fire engines responded to the blaze, which had spread to four hectares by 6.48pm. Crews were seen spraying water on the fire
At 8 p.m., the scene was still active, but the fire was contained, according to the dispatcher. The smell of smoke could be felt as far away as nearby Fullerton, La Mirada and Brea. Officials closed portions of I-105 and I-605
A driver in Norwalk, California snapped a photo after seeing brush burning ahead
A wildfire in California continues to battle the 1,000-acre McKinney fire, the state’s deadliest and largest wildfire in a year.
A wildfire broke out in Northern California’s Klamath National Forest on July 29, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.
More than 3,000 fire personnel were dispatched to battle the blaze, which was 80 percent contained as of Thursday.
The cause of the massive inferno remains under investigation, according to Cal Fire.
The McKinney fire killed four people, injured seven, and destroyed 185 residential and commercial buildings. A portion of Highway 96 remains closed due to the fire.
The Karuk Tribe’s Department of Natural Resources also said the fire killed tens of thousands of fish along a 20-mile stretch of the Klamath River.
Officials say the fish died after the debris flow caused the river’s oxygen levels to plummet.
A wildfire in California continues to battle the 1,000-acre McKinney fire, the state’s deadliest and largest wildfire in a year. The McKinney Fire is pictured on July 31
A wildfire broke out in Northern California’s Klamath National Forest on July 29, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. As of Thursday, the McKinney fire was 80 percent contained. Damage from the fire in the photo on August 3
A dead fish found in a 20-mile stretch of the Klamath River in northern California between Indian Creek and Seiyad Creek on August 6. Officials say the McKinney fire burning in the area has killed tens of thousands of fish
California’s peak fire season runs from July to October, when the state has a drier climate.
The summer months see the highest number of fires, likely due to the intense heat, but officials say those fires cause less damage overall when considering the acres burned.
Cal Fire says September and October are the most vulnerable months for wildfires in California, fueled by hot summers and little rainfall, resulting in parched vegetation. These types of hell have proven to be the most destructive.
Meanwhile, temperatures are rising in Los Angeles County, which is not helping the area’s vegetation.
The National Weather Service, which has predicted triple-digit temperatures this coming weekend, warned that valleys, mountains and deserts will take the brunt of the extreme heat.
As a result of the fire in McKinney, four people died, seven were injured, and 185 residential and commercial buildings were destroyed. Fire damage was recorded on August 4
California’s peak fire season runs from July to October, when the state has a drier climate. A wildfire broke out in northwest Los Angeles County on Wednesday. It occupied almost 150 hectares
Water droplets were used to extinguish most of the Faernado flames, but video footage showed billows of smoke billowing over the area.
“The hottest temperatures will probably be in the Antelope Valley,” meteorologist Robbie Monroe said earlier this week. “Temperatures range from 103 to 105 degrees, which is potentially peak heat.”
The forecast is typical for this time of year, and officials have yet to issue an excessive heat warning.
Monroe noted that forecasters expect monsoonal moisture to arrive in the area soon, which could moderate the heat and reduce the threat of wildfires.
“Obviously we need the rainfall,” he said. “If we’re talking about a few weeks with temperatures well above normal, that’s going to have a big impact on the drought. It will be very important to see how we handle the coming rainy season.”
