Los Angeles forest fire doubles in size overnight
"That fire burned just like it was daytime. Usually you get recovery because humidity goes up at night, which slows the fire down and you're able to construct more line around the fire," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Nathan Judy. "But last night that wasn't the case."
The Station Fire, which has destroyed 21 homes and killed two firefighters, is threatening 12,500 homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee. While the fire spreads, more homes will be burned, officials said.
Authorities put 6,600 residents under mandatory evacuation orders Sunday night.
Firefighters prepared for another long, hot day, putting significant resources on the northern edge of the fire near the town of Acton.
More than 2,800 fire personnel from around the state have converged to battle the Station Fire, along with 12 helicopters and eight air tankers.
Meteorologists predicted that hot, dry conditions would continue without relent until at least Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Southern California Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) reported that smoke and ash from the fire caused unhealthy to hazardous air quality in the San Gabriel Mountains and the west San Gabriel Valley.
The fire, which broke out Wednesday afternoon, was the largest of many burning around California.
The cause of fire was still under investigation; Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version.