Shifting winds during the weekend fueled a wildfire north of Los Angeles that forced evacuations at 1,000 home Sunday after it destroyed six residences and damaged at least nine other buildings as it burned about 35 square miles.
Firefighters are attempting to protect homes near the high-desert city of Lancaster Monday morning as the fire burns dense brush on rugged terrain that hasn't burned for more than 80 years. The fire began near Santa Clarita and spread into the Antelope Valley during the weekend.
Cooler conditions and decreased winds are in Monday's forecast, which might help fire crews gain ground on the 22,242-acre wildfire that began late last week. The acreage estimate is down from an earlier figure of 25,000 acres.
Containment is estimated is 20 percent. Updated acreage and containment figures are expected Monday morning.
Temperatures in the high-80s are expected Monday. Wind gusts might reach 25 mph.
The fire broke out Thursday near a hydroelectric plant known as Powerhouse No. 1 in San Francisquito Canyon, north of Santa Clarita. Flames exploded over the weekend amid 90-degree temperatures and shifting wind gusts.
"The wind is dropping, and it allows us to get in and do some damage and go direct on the fire," said Sean Collins, of the Kern County Fire Department.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries while fighting the blaze. One was injured by a falling rock, another suffered from heat stress and a third was injured by contact with poisonous oak.
The community of Lake Hughes was under a mandatory evacuation order and Elizabeth Lake was under a voluntary evacuation order. Evacuations remained in place along Lake Hughes Road, including two youth probation camps and the Forest Service's Cottonwood Campground.
Lake Hughes and San Franciquito Canyon roads were closed. Bouquet Canyon and Elizabeth Lake roads were open to residents only.
A Red Cross evacuation center is located at Marie Kerr Park, 39700 30th St. W. Palmdale, 93551.
The Antelope Valley Fairgrounds are serving as a shelter for large animals.
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