Crews fighting wind-driven fires in the high deserts of Southern California have made progress
Firefighters fought against the wind-moving brush fires in the steep and rough terrain south of Apple Valley.
The California Forestry and Fire Department announced Wednesday morning that the ranch fire had burned 4,205 acres of vegetation and now contains 10%.
According to Onscenetv video, the fire destroyed at least two structures and multiple cars on Tuesday afternoon.
CAL Fire spokesman Chloe Castillo said ground conditions are expected to be dry on Wednesday with a maximum humidity of 15% and winds at the top of the ridge as high as 30 mph. The wind is expected to start in the evening, with little chance of calming down overnight until Thursday.
The fire was first reported after 2 p.m. Tuesday and spread rapidly as strong winds changed. Within two hours, the fire spread across 1,500 acres of land.
“The fire burned in a lot of vegetation, and the wind turned from the northeast to the south, and spread the fire in both directions,” Castillo said.
Another factor that complicates the fire response is low-lying smoke. Castillo said the lack of visibility hindered the effectiveness of the aircraft in assisting firefighters.
Evacuation orders for the high desert area are still in effect Wednesday morning. The evacuation area extends from Milpas Drive to a high road about 8 miles southeast of Apple Valley.
