The Californian wildfires in the Angeles National Forest have affected another 500 acres, causing fire officials to enhance recovery efforts. The fire broke out on Sunday afternoon and quickly grew to 3,600 acres, which equals to about five and a half miles.
The fire has now affected 4,000-acres and is so far only five percent contained, according to US Forest Service spokeswoman Angie Lavell.
The wildfire has already affected visitors wishing to spend their Labor Day holiday at the Angeles National Forest. The campground, according to the Associated Press, attracts up to 12,000 visitors during the holiday weekend but many were evacuated, including rehabilitation centers and community of Camp Williams Resort. The Red Cross has set up evacuation centers at Glendora High School.
Fire officials noted that the fire was not near campgrounds but were still evacuated as a precaution, as well as the only road leading into and out of the San Gabriel Canyon could be used for emergency vehicles. Six air tankers, eight helicopters, and 400 firefighters are reported to be battling the flames.
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Forest spokeswoman L’Tanga Watson said the flames increased due to dry heat and heavy brush and are spreading uphill toward wildlife. KTLA-TV reported the fire was caused by a car fire. An official investigation is underway.
A similar fire took place in 2009, destroying 89 homes, 250 square miles of forest, and two firefighters.