Strong winds, steep terrain hamper crews battling Los Angeles area’s first major fire of the year
Associated PressGORMAN, Calif. — Strong winds pushed flames through dry brush in mountains along Interstate 5 north of Los Angeles on Sunday, and officials warned residents in the wildfire’s path to be prepared to leave if it explodes in size again. Los Angeles County’s first major wildfire of the year swiftly grew to nearly 23 square miles, one day after it forced the evacuation of at least 1,200 campers, off-roaders and hikers from the Hungry Valley recreation area. “Be ready to evacuate.” Low humidity and gusts around 50 mph were expected throughout the day, and winds could pick up speed after sundown, warned the National Weather Service office for Los Angeles. About 75 miles to the east, the nearly 2-square-mile Hesperia Fire forced road closures and prompted evacuation warnings after it broke out Saturday near mountain communities in San Bernardino County.