Evacuations ordered as wildfire near LA spreads to 12,000 acres

At least 1,200 people have been ordered to evacuate as a wildfire located near Los Angeles spreads to more than 12,000 acres.

The Post Fire has spread to about 12,265 acres and is just 2 percent contained, according to the latest update from Cal Fire as of Sunday afternoon. Cal Fire said that California State Park Services had evacuated about 1,200 people from Hungry Valley Park, where officials say that the fire is moving toward.

There are also evacuation warnings in place for south of Pyramid Lake between Old Ridge Route and the Los Angeles County line, including Paradise Ranch Estate, according to Cal Fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department said its firefighters are “working to construct perimeter fire lines around the flakes of the fire.”

“Slightly higher temperatures and lower humidity are expected to continue through the weekend, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if fire activity changes. Winds are expected to increase from 9:00 P.M. to midnight. Gusts are up to 30 MPH, with stronger winds at the ridge tops, reaching over 50 MPH,” Cal Fire said in its latest incident summary.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued a red flag warning for the I-5 corridor in Los Angeles County until 5 p.m. on Monday due to high wind and low humidity. The service said there could be wind gusts of 45-55 mph on Sunday that increase to 60-70 mph tonight.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services prepositioned firefighting equipment and personnel around the state to address the fire, the office announced on Saturday.