Containment increases on Fork fire burning above Glendora

6 months ago 64

Firefighters began to encircle the Fork fire burning in the Angeles National Forest on Saturday, July 20, with water-dropping helicopters having success pounding the flanks of the blaze burning in remote, rugged terrain.

The size of the fire burning above Glendora held at 330 acres, the U.S. Forest Service said in its evening update. But the containment grew to 30% from 0% Saturday. Containment is the percentage of a fire’s border that officials believe flames won’t breach.

The fire, burning in a northeast direction toward the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, was not threatening any homes.

“Is the fire rocking and rolling? No, it’s not,” said John Miller, a Forest Service spokesman. “It is testing us in a couple of spots.”

Those include the head of the fire at its northeastern edge. There, helicopter crews dropped water to cool the fire. Helicopters also attacked hot spots. In one of the few areas where ground crews could access the flames, firefighters laid hose lines at the back end of the fire to build a containment line.

“It’s extremely steep and rugged terrain,” Miller said. “You couple that with the hot weather, and that creates quite the challenge for firefighters on the ground.”

The weather is a concern. Extreme heat and low humidity, with a possibility of strong, gusty afternoon winds, are forecast through Wednesday that could revive dormant areas of the fire. And there is a slight chance of dry lightning, Miller said.

Two firefighters have been injured, the Forest Service said. Celeste Morales, a Forest Service spokeswoman, declined to describe the seriousness of the injuries.

The fire prompted officials to close a portion of San Gabriel Canyon Road. Caltrans said the road, also known as Highway 39, is closed in both directions at the San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center near Ranch Road in Azusa until at least Thursday. Residents with identification will be allowed in.

As a result of the fire, Caltrans suspended work scheduled for Monday through Friday to repair a slope on the road.

The fire started around 3:30 p.m. Friday and grew to more than 330 acres by Saturday, sending up a large plume of smoke and spreading rapidly near popular camping and hiking areas, prompting evacuations of trails and other spots.

“The entire San Gabriel Canyon area is closed,” Dana Dierkes, spokeswoman for the Angeles National Forest, said Saturday.

More information on the fire can be found on the website inciweb.wildfire.gov.

Originally Published: July 20, 2024 at 10:20 p.m.

Read Entire Article