Bouquet Fire: Evacuations near Santa Clarita lifted as containment grows
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bouquet fire burns more than 1,000 acres
Parts of Los Angeles County were hit with 100-degree temps, in addition to having to deal with a 1,000-acre fire in the Santa Clarita area.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Containment continues to grow on a brush fire northeast of Santa Clarita following targeted nighttime aerial operations.
While all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Tuesday morning, firefighters continue working in high temperatures to extinguish remaining hot spots.
What we know:
The Bouquet Fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the 34800 block of Bouquet Canyon Road, burning through light-to-medium brush in the Angeles National Forest.
At last check, the fire had burned 1,048 acres and is 67% contained.
Public safety officials previously issued mandatory evacuation orders and warnings for surrounding zones and opened an emergency shelter at the Castaic Sports Complex.
All evacuation orders and warnings were lifted as of Tuesday morning.
While temporary closures at the Drinkwater OHV area and Rowher Flat OHV area have been lifted, Bouquet Canyon Road remains closed from Spunky Canyon Road to milepost 5.7.
Forest Service roads within the fire perimeter, alongside Saugus del Sur and Quarry Road, also remain closed to the public.
What we don't know:
The cause of the Bouquet Fire remains unknown.
Authorities have not yet reported the full extent of structural damage or specified how many residents are currently impacted by the mandatory evacuation orders.
What they're saying:
Forest Service officials highlighted the impact of overnight technology in guiding ground firefighters to active areas.
"Last night's drone mission provided valuable information to firefighters and allowed them to target areas of residual heat," according to a statement from the Angeles National Forest headquarters. "Containment is now at 67%."
Officials noted that firefighters are focusing on securing the perimeter against potential flare-ups. "Ground crews continue to construct and improve firelines and find and extinguish areas with heat that have the potential to become active again with wind and/or high temperatures."
"Earlier ... (Monday) evening, a drone on a heat-seeking mission flew sections of the fire perimeter and provided video and location mapping in support of firefighters," the statement added. "The Angeles National Forest night-flying helicopter, along with engine crews, will be working these locations throughout the night."
What's next:
Fire crews will remain on scene to extinguish residual heat pockets, construct containment barriers, and monitor potential wind or high-temperature risks.
Emergency management officials continue to assess fire activity and maintain designated road closures along Bouquet Canyon Road and interior forest paths.
The Source: This report is compiled from official statements, updates, and evacuation logs provided by the U.S. Forest Service and Angeles National Forest headquarters and Cal Fire.