An out-of-control wildfire, known as the Line Fire, has been burning in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest east of Los Angeles, threatening tens of thousands of buildings and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate due to triple-digit temperatures. The fire has burned 27 square miles of grass and chaparral, creating pyroculumus clouds that bring challenging conditions for firefighters. County officials issued evacuation orders for several regions including Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake. Three firefighters have been injured and over 35,000 structures are threatened by the blaze.
The fire has prompted school closures and a state of emergency declaration for San Bernardino County by Governor Gavin Newsom. Another wildfire in Clearlake City, 110 miles north of San Francisco, has forced roughly 4,000 people to evacuate and is burning structures. The blaze in San Bernardino County began Thursday evening and is under investigation. Firefighters are struggling due to steep terrain and the hot, dry conditions in the area.
The fire has caused dense smoke and flames can be seen creston hillside ridges, but no homes or structures have been damaged. More firefighters are expected to arrive in the area to battle the blaze, with support from water-dropping helicopters and other aircraft. The National Weather Service reported record-breaking temperatures in downtown Los Angeles, reaching 112 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday.
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