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Hundreds flee LA wildfire
28/04/2008 08:11 - (SA)
John Antczak
Sierra Madre - An early season wildfire slowly chewed its way through dense brush near Los Angeles, forcing more than 1 000 people from homes in the foothills.
More than 400 firefighters attacked the fire on Sunday, aided by two helicopters and water-dropping air tankers, said Elisa Weaver of the Arcadia Fire Department. Residents evacuated at least 550 homes Saturday night and Sunday, but none had burned.
"This is pretty serious," Weaver said. "Some of these areas have not burned in over 40 years."
Smoke and fire billowed near neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Sierra Madre near Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park. The fire moved slowly as it fed on brush and was just five percent contained by late Sunday afternoon despite being less than 2.5 square kilometres. It is expected to continue burning for another two or three days.
Winds were calm early on Sunday, boosting firefighter efforts, Weaver said.
Helicopters made water drops on Sunday morning on a steep ridge above Sierra Madre, about 25km northeast of Los Angeles. A fixed-wing water tanker also made at least one drop of flame retardant.
The blaze stranded 50 guests from a wedding party at a ranger's station on Saturday until they were airlifted out on Sunday afternoon, Weaver said. It took five helicopter trips from the ranger's station to the parking area where the wedding party's cars were. The party then was escorted out by road.
The fire was first reported on Saturday afternoon. It was windy at the time and unseasonably hot, with temperatures approaching 38°.
- SAPA
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