Evacuations were expanded Saturday after a wildfire sparked flames leaping into the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles amid a days-long heatwave that has pushed temperatures into triple digits across the region.
The so-called “Line Fire” was burning out of control along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.
As of Saturday afternoon, the fire had scorched about 11 square miles of grass and brush and thick, black smoke blanketed the area.
The fire broke out Thursday evening and the cause remains under investigation.
About 500 firefighters were battling the blaze, supported by water-cannon helicopters and aircraft which hovered above the homes and hills.
Firefighters said there was a “potential for significant growth” of the fire over the next 12 hours.
The fire sent thick smoke billowing into the air and flames could be seen reaching the top of the hill ridge.
No injuries were reported and no homes or other buildings were damaged or destroyed.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in downtown Los Angeles hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, marking just the third time a temperature above 112 degrees has been recorded there since 1877.
