A rapidly spreading wildfire has triggered evacuation orders in the Antelope Valley after burning more than 2,200 acres near the Los Angeles–San Bernardino county line. The Summit Fire broke out on Friday near Jesus Canyon Road and East Avenue Z in Llano. It grew from an initial eight-acre vegetation fire into a major incident within hours. Fire officials reported zero containment as of Friday evening.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department said firefighters responded to the blaze at about 1:12 pm PDT. Strong winds, dry vegetation and steep terrain contributed to the fire's rapid expansion.
Crews from the Angeles National Forest joined county firefighters in an aggressive effort to slow the flames.
Authorities urged residents to monitor official updates as conditions remained highly dynamic. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department warned that evacuation zones could change quickly if the fire continues to spread.
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Evacuation map: Areas under orders and warnings
Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for the following zones:
1. LAC-E107
{{/usCountry}}1. LAC-E107
{{/usCountry}}2. LAC-E127-C
Residents in these areas have been instructed to leave immediately under a Level 3 (GO) evacuation order.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for:
1. LAC-E126-A
2. LAC-E127-A
3. LAC-E127-B
4. LAC-E128-A
5. LAC-E1340
6. PIN005
7. PIN006
8. WWD03
Officials said residents in warning zones should prepare to evacuate if fire conditions deteriorate. They advised people to gather essential belongings, medications, identification documents and pet supplies before leaving.
An evacuation shelter has opened at the Antelope Valley Family YMCA, located at 43001 10th Street West in Lancaster, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department. The shelter is accepting small pets. A separate small animal shelter has been established at the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Palmdale.
You may view an online map of San Bernardino County's affected areas at https://sbcounty.maps. You can check an online map of Los Angeles County's affected areas at lacounty.gov/emergency.
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Crews battle difficult conditions
The Summit Fire is burning near the border of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in the Antelope Valley, an area prone to fast-moving wildfires because of dry grasslands and seasonal winds.
Firefighters are using both ground crews and aircraft where conditions permit. However, officials said strong winds and rugged terrain continue to challenge suppression efforts.
Crews had contained 0% of the fire as of 6 pm, Friday
The Angeles National Forest has deployed additional resources to support county firefighters as flames threaten open land and nearby communities.
According to The Daily Press, locals in Apple Valley and Victorville that they could smell smoke in the air.
Children, elderly people, those with respiratory conditions, and active adults are among the vulnerable categories that may be impacted and should spend less time outside. You may check the local Air Quality Index online at airnow.gov.