A fast-burning wildfire outside Los Angeles has scorched more than 15,600 acres and forced the evacuation of about 1,200 people as high winds push the flames farther.
The so-called Post Fire began around 2 p.m. Saturday in Gorman, near Hungry Valley State Park in northwestern Los Angeles County, and is spreading southeast toward Lake Pyramid.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said the blaze was roughly 8% contained as of Monday morning.
Authorities have evacuated 1,200 people from the area. Evacuation orders are in place for areas west of Interstate 5 between Pyramid Lake and Gorman, including the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Pyramid Lake is also closed due to the threat from the fire.
An evacuation warning has also been issued for areas south of Pyramid Lake between Old Ridge Route and the LA County line, including Paradise Ranch Estates. Residents in those areas should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Those who need extra time evacuating are encouraged to leave now.
One structure has been destroyed and at least 60 others are threatened by the fire. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
While it's not yet known how the fire started, gusty winds and hot, dry weather conditions have fueled the flames and made containment efforts more difficult.
"Firefighters are making progress utilizing backfire and burnout techniques to strategically remove fuels between containment lines and the main fire," the U.S. Forest Service said in an update on social media. "Red flag weather warning continues to affect the fire behavior with hot and dry gusty winds coming from the north end. Firefighters are actively engaged as the fire continues to move southeast of Pyramid Lake."
Around 1,150 firefighters are currently working on the ground and by air to suppress the fire, according to CAL FIRE.