A raging wildfire is raging in Southern California, causing thousands of people to be evacuated and more than 8,000 hectares to burn in a matter of hours. The fire is so big that, according to US media, it has created its own climate. There are currently 14 active fires in the state.
The Line Fire began Thursday at the base of the San Bernardino County Mountains in Southern California. As of Sunday morning, it had burned 17,237 acres, or about 6,975 hectares. Following its rapid expansion, authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in the area, about 10,000 people.
At least 4,500 families have been forced to flee the fire in the Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake areas, the county sheriff told CNN. The blaze quadrupled in size in 14 hours, from Friday night to Saturday night. By early Sunday morning, emergency services had not been able to bring it under control.
In a statement issued last Saturday, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County and assured the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the necessary services and resources.
The fire has created its own climate
As the flames spread, the fire has created its own weather in the form of pyrocumulus clouds. Pyrocumulus clouds are clouds that cause erratic winds and push the fire, a common phenomenon in wildfires. These clouds make it difficult for firefighters to fight the fire and can reach up to 50,000 feet. The clouds can generate their own storms, causing rain and thunder. As of early Sunday morning, the Line Fire has threatened about 35,000 structures, including commercial buildings and homes.
Due to weather conditions, authorities are expected to continue battling the blaze for the next few days. Smoke, along with the heat and dryness of the area, has made it difficult for planes to get into the area and limited access to aid within the area. Temperatures in Southern California are ranging from 95 to 105 degrees, and an alert has also been issued for poor air quality.
