Lake Fire In California Continues To Rage, Huge Blaze Forces Evacuations

A huge wildfire has prompted evacuations north of Los Angeles. Lake fire broke out on August 12 in dense forest land in the Lake Hughes area of the Angeles national forest, some 60 miles (97km) north of downtown Los Angeles. The fire was reported at 3:38 pm according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Around 4 pm, officials said the fire was roughly 50 acres. About two hours later, flames quickly spread to about 10,000 acres. The blaze grew to 11,000 acres by the night of August 13 with 5% containment, the LA County Sheriff’s Department told CBS News. The blaze exploded in size within hours on brushy ridges, including some areas that had not burned since 1968, fire officials said. Reportedly, About 100 rural homes were evacuated in the Lake Hughes. Fire officials said the blaze is unusual since it developed early in the fire season and spread as rapidly as it did without strong winds. The Lake Fire's cause hasn't been determined. No injuries have been reported.