Triple-digit heat, wildfires and potential blackouts bear down on Southern California
LOS ANGELES — Southern California is bracing for a Labor Day weekend full of intense heat as firefighters continue to battle wildfires across the state amid triple-digit heat that could potentially lead to rolling blackouts.
The Route fire, which ignited Wednesday afternoon near Castaic, prompting mandatory evacuations, has charred 5,208 acres, destroyed two structures and threatened hundreds more, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. As of Friday morning, the fire was 37% contained.
All evacuation orders were lifted Thursday afternoon and the blaze is expected to be fully contained by next week, fire officials said. Crews will mop up hot spots near containment lines before the midday heat sets in, officials said.
Low humidity, excessive heat and steep terrain continue to pose significant challenges for firefighters. Wind gusts up
