The West is struggling with record-breaking heat and sweltering conditions. On Monday, firefighters were fighting three large wildfires within Kern, Siskiyou, and San Bernardino.According to a tweet from San Bernardino National Forest, Highway 18 was closed in San Bernardino County by a fast-moving fire on Old Waterman Canyon Road late Monday morning.According to officials from San Bernardino National Forest, the vegetation fire was first reported to PulsePoint at 10:49 am. It had already tripled in size, growing from approximately 10 to 30 acres.Firefighters from San Bernardino County were on hand to help battle the blaze. Residents were asked to avoid Waterman Canyon.Update on #PeakFire: Now approximately 30 acresThis incident involves approximately 150 firefighters and 14 aircraft.One firefighter was transported to the hospital for heat-related injuries. Pic.twitter.com/R37UlCqSQ3 San Bernardino National Forest, @SBCOUNTYFIRE June 28, 2021As firefighters battled a growing firestorm to the north, the blaze erupted. Officials said that the Shell fire quickly grew in size after it started in Kern County at 1 p.m. on Sunday.According to Andrew Freeborn, Kern County Fire Department spokesperson, the fire had spread to 1,200 acres by Sunday night. Overnight, the fire grew to 500 acres and spread to 1,700 acres. Crews were able to contain it by 20%.Freeborn explained that the vehicle fire ignited the surrounding vegetation and set off the blaze.More than 200 people were fighting the fire from the air, and more are on their way. Officials said that the U.S. Forest Service and the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the blaze via Twitter.Continue the storyFreeborn stated that crews were fighting steep terrain with rockfalls and rolling logs. They worked quickly to place containment lines before temperatures rose again.He stated, "As soon the light came up today the mission was to get as many resources on it as possible early in the morning, because we expect well over 100 degrees today." It's very hard on firefighters.Freeborn advised the public to avoid the area and pointed out that crews were temporarily grounded Sunday following a drone's entry into their airspace.He said, "Just to remind, if they are out flying, we cannot." It's not worth it. It's not worth all the photos, video, or whatever you get that all these wildfire air operations must stop.He said that several structures, including some schools and businesses, could be in danger of being set on fire. However, no official evacuation orders have been issued.A large fire that was started by lightning is raging in Shasta Trinity National Forest in Siskiyou County, near the Oregon border.The Lava fire started on Saturday morning, and it had grown to 550 acres by Sunday night.Suzi Johnson, Shasta Trinity National Forest spokesperson, said that it was "very active" overnight and had grown to 1,446 acres, with 20% containment, by Monday morning.According to the National Weather Service, Oregon and other parts in the Pacific Northwest are currently experiencing an unprecedented heat wave. Temperatures are expected to rise into the triple digits on Monday.Johnson stated that "The temperatures have been an extreme problem, and today will be a difficult day as well."She said that a red flag warning has been issued for Siskiyou County regarding gusty winds, low relative humidity, and other conditions. Monday will see the federal interagency management team take over fire operations.Lava fire crews had to contend with treacherous conditions while trying to control the flames, just like the Shell fire.Johnson stated that the terrain is rugged and has limited road access. Therefore, firefighters must walk to the fire line. The fire is not well-watered.Monday's evacuation warnings were in effect for Angel Valley Road, Carrick Addition, and Solus Drive on State Route 97 north from Weed.According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page, they were extended to include residents on the north side Hoy Road, north along Highway 97 and County Road A12, as well as the communities of Lake Shastina, Juniper Valley and Big Springs Road, which runs from Highway 97 and McDonald's Lane on both the east-west sides of Big Springs Road.Officials advised residents to be ready to evacuate in the event of an emergency.This story first appeared in Los Angeles Times.
