Fire in California. Photo: Shutterstock A new fire in California's Angeles National Forest has burned 1,048 acres and is now 48% contained, while evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect in several areas.
The fire, named the Bouquet Fire, started Saturday, October 3, near Bouquet Canyon Road and Quarry Road. It spread quickly during its first few hours, growing from an estimated 20 acres shortly after it was reported to more than 1,000 acres later that evening.
Firefighters continued working Sunday as the blaze produced a flare-up and additional smoke. Airtankers and helicopters from the Angeles National Forest's Fox Field were sent to support crews on the ground.
The latest incident update, issued Sunday evening, put the fire at 1,048 acres with 48% containment. The cause remains under investigation.
Evacuation orders are currently in place for several areas. Authorities say evacuation orders mean there is an immediate threat to life and residents in those areas are required to leave.
People in areas under evacuation warnings who need additional time to evacuate, as well as those with pets or livestock, are also advised to leave.
An evacuation shelter has been opened at the Castaic Sports Complex at 31230 Castaic Road in Castaic.
The fire was initially reported at about 20 acres and spreading at a moderate rate. Within hours, officials reported rapid growth, with the fire reaching 100 acres, then 709.7 acres and 843 acres before reaching 1,000 acres Saturday evening.
Crews also dealt with two spot fires near the main fire. Fire officials reported a possible drone sighting over the fire area and warned that flying drones near wildfires is a federal crime because they can interfere with firefighting aircraft.
The USFS Angeles National Forest has jurisdiction over the incident. No incident management team has been assigned.
Firefighters are continuing efforts to increase containment while monitoring the fire's behavior and the areas under evacuation orders and warnings.