Scorching temperatures in Southern California are expected to increase "fire activity” in a wildfire that ballooned to over 1,000 acres in just one day in the Angeles National Forest, authorities said on Monday, Oct. 5.
The Bouquet Fire was reported northeast of Santa Clarita on Oct. 3, triggering evacuations as it burned at a rapid rate of spread, according to Cal Fire. The fire is fueled by chaparral and grass and is in an area with limited access and steep terrain, according to the Angeles National Forest.
Authorities said “fire activity is expected to increase during the day” as temperatures climb and further heat and dry fuels. Southern California is being hit by a heat wave, with swaths of the region, including Santa Clarita, under extreme
heat warnings through Thursday, Oct. 8, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles.
The Bouquet Fire is 1,048 acres and nearly 50% contained as of Monday morning. Investigators are still investigating the cause.
See Bouquet Fire evacuations map
Three zones closest to the fire are under evacuation orders as of Monday morning. Surrounding the areas under evacuation orders are places under evacuation warnings, extending west toward the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, north toward Elizabeth Lake, and east toward Mount McDill. See a map displaying where evacuations are in place on Los Angeles County's website.
See Bouquet Fire road closures
Bouquet Canyon Road is currently closed from Spunky Canyon to milepost 5.7, according to the Angeles National Forest. The following temporary closures are also in effect:
- Rowher Flat Off-Highway Vehicle Area off Vasquez Truck Trail
- Drinkwater Off-Highway Vehicle Area off San Francisquito Canyon Road
See fire map in California
Southern California gets hit with heat wave
An upper-level ridge of high pressure is maintaining the heat wave across Southern California, according to NWS. The heat wave is expected to persist through at least Thursday, Oct. 8, NWS Los Angeles said. The region is expected to see record or near-record heat, with temperatures forecasted to reach the triple digits in many areas.
Paris Barraza covers Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Climbing temps threaten to fuel Bouquet Fire near Santa Clarita
