The Associated Press
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. — A brush fire driven by 40 mph wind and even higher gusts charred several acres and threatened homes early Monday in this upscale community near Los Angeles, officials said.
The blaze was quickly contained after burning about 10 acres but firefighters remained concerned that the wind, gusting to as high as 80 mph, could kick up embers and ignite new blazes.
“Until there’s absolutely no embers to blow, there’s still concern,” Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Mark Savage said.
Residents were evacuated from about 15 homes on a street near the blaze, Savage said. One firefighter was treated for a minor eye injury.
The fire was started around 2:35 a.m. by a power line knocked down by the wind, Savage said. In all, about 100 Southern California Edison lines were reported down Sunday and Monday, and some 20,000 customers remained without power Monday, said Edison spokesman Steve Conroy.
A high wind advisory will be in effect in the area until Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.
La Canada Flintridge is 15 miles northeast of Los Angeles, against the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.