Firefighters are protecting foothill communities northeast of Los Angeles from a wildfire that likely began with an illegal campfire
By Jonathan Lloyd | KNBC-TV Los Angeles
| Friday, Jan 17, 2014 | Updated 7:56 AM PST
Firefighters gained ground overnight in the battle against a 1,700-acre brush fire that destroyed five homes after an out-of-control campfire spread out of Angeles National Forest northeast of Los Angeles.
California Wildfires: Fire Map
The Colby Fire broke out early Thursday morning and several neighborhoods remain in danger as crews begin assessments of program made overnight. Crews set backfires in an effort to push the fire back into the forest area and away from a foothill neighborhood.
"Crews made good progress," said Dave Richardson, of the LA County Fire Department. "Crews were able to work around structures and put out hot spots. That will continue throughout the day."
Evacuations are in effect for 870 homes in Azusa. Closures and evacuations were ordered from Yucca Ridge to Highway 39.
"We're going to try to get people back home as soon as we can," said Nathan Judy
All Glendora residents were allowed to return home Thursday night after earlier evacuations forced them from their homes in the community about 30 miles northest of downtown Los Angeles.
Wach: Historic Mansion Property Damaged
The acreage estimate remained at 1,700 Friday morning. Containment was at 30 percent Thursday night, but that figure might change after daylight.
During a Friday morning news conference, fire officials confirmed the acreage ad containment figures remained the same. Those figures -- and the number of structures damaged -- will likely change as assessment teams complete their work.
Images: Colby Fire Sends Smoke Over SoCal
Three men were arrested Friday afternoon in connection with the fire. They are accused of starting an illegal campfire amid the dry brush of Angeles National Forest. The fire likely spread when the men used paper to fuel the flames, according to investigators.
The fire raced downhill and into residential areas, sending embers into palm trees as spot fires popped up in the neighborhood. Smoke from the fire could be seen throughout Southern California and air quality advisories -- indicating unhealthy air -- were issued.
The warnings come after the driest year on record in California and what could be the driest January in the state. The all-time low rainfall record in January occurred in 1984, when just 0.3 inches of rain fell across California.
A red flag warning, indicating a high risk of wildfire because of high winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, remains in effect for the fifth straight day.
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