At least 1,200 people have been evacuated as a wind-driven wildfire, named the Post Fire, rapidly spread over 12,000 acres northwest of Los Angeles, officials reported on Sunday.

Rapid Spread and Evacuations

The Post Fire ignited on Saturday afternoon near the Interstate 5 freeway in Gorman, a community approximately 68 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). By Sunday afternoon, the blaze had engulfed about 12,265 acres and was only 2% contained. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Cal Fire reported that 1,200 individuals were evacuated from Hungry Valley Park in Gorman as the fire advanced toward the area. Although no homes were threatened, two commercial buildings suffered damage, as stated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Hungry Valley recreation area and Pyramid Lake reservoir were closed due to the imminent threat.

Challenges for Fire Crews

Firefighting crews faced significant challenges due to the fire’s rapid spread and difficult terrain. Efforts to construct perimeter fire lines were underway, and aircraft were deployed to prevent the fire from advancing further. However, limited visibility hampered aerial operations.

Residents were cautioned to stay alert and ready to evacuate if the situation worsened. Cal Fire’s latest incident summary warned, “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.” The summary also noted that winds were expected to increase between 9:00 P.M. and midnight, with gusts reaching up to 30 MPH and stronger winds over 50 MPH at ridge tops.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued a red flag warning for the I-5 corridor until 5 p.m. on Monday due to high winds and low humidity. In response, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services prepositioned fire engines and personnel in multiple counties to address the fire, the office announced on Saturday.

Seasonal Wildfire Risks

Wildfire season in California typically starts in July and ends around late November to early December, according to Luca Carmignani, a Fire Advisor from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. He explained to USA TODAY that these months are characterized by dry conditions conducive to igniting and sustaining wildfires.

These conditions greatly influence fire behavior, making it crucial for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for rapid changes in fire activity. The Post Fire’s swift spread and the evacuation of over a thousand people underscore the persistent and escalating threat of wildfires in California’s dry, windy conditions. As the firefighting efforts continue, the focus remains on containing the blaze, protecting lives and property, and preparing for potential shifts in fire behavior due to fluctuating weather conditions.