The Peak Fire broke out this afternoon, Oct. 15, in the foothills above Azusa, forcing evacuations as Santa Ana winds kept Southern California under a Red Flag Warning. The brush fire started just after 1 p.m. near North San Gabriel Canyon Road and North Ranch Road and quickly grew to about 50 to 60 acres. Firefighters and helicopters attacked it from the ground and the air, and by late afternoon crews appeared to be gaining ground. The cause is under investigation.
Residents of this canyon have seen this before. The question now is whether the wind gives crews the time they need.
How big is the Peak Fire?
The numbers changed fast. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported the fire spreading through medium to heavy brush, growing to about 23 acres before reaching an estimated 50 to 60 acres, with a second alarm called about 25 minutes after it started. Early reports listed no containment, no structures destroyed and no deaths or injuries.
Homes were close. The New York Post reported that structures on Foxtail Court and northeast of the fire were threatened, and county helicopters drew water from a nearby reservoir for drops.
Who is under Peak Fire evacuation orders?
Authorities first issued an evacuation order for zone AZU-MC01 and warnings for several nearby zones. By late afternoon, the New York Post reported that the order for AZU-MC01 had been downgraded to a warning and that warnings for several other zones had been lifted as the threat eased. Residents should check the CAL FIRE evacuation map for the latest status, since zones can change quickly…