California Wildfires Fueled by Heat, Dry Vegetation, and Lightning

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County after a wildfire exploded in size over the weekend. The Line Fire is just one of 14 major fires burning in California as a heat wave and lack of moisture work together to create dangerous wildfire conditions across much of the western U.S. Here is the latest on this situation.

Line Fire Blows Up Over the Weekend

After igniting at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains in California on Thursday, the Line Fire has now burned through over 17,400 acres. The fire was 0% contained as of Sunday as crews from Cal Fire, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, and San Bernardino County Fire work together to battle the blaze. Over 600 fire personnel are onsite trying to get the fire under control as it approaches more communities.

The Line Line grew over 14 times its original size in a period of just 30 hours over the weekend. The inferno has injured three people and forced the evacuations of thousands of residents. The American Red Cross is on the scene, setting up a shelter at a local church.

Severe weather in the region on Sunday triggered high winds that contributed to the fire's erratic behavior. Officials are also concerned that the thunderstorm activity will produce new ignitions across the dry terrain. The hot, dry, and stormy weather is forecast to linger for the next few days, adding fuel to the fire.