Vehicle malfunction sparked Southern California wildfire
Source: AP
BANNING, Calif. (AP) A wildfire in mountains east of Los Angeles that has forced thousands of people from their homes was sparked by a malfunctioning diesel vehicle, fire officials said Monday.
The vehicle spewed burning carbon from its exhaust system, igniting several fires Friday on Oak Glen Road in Cherry Valley, and authorities were asking anyone who may have seen such a vehicle at the time to contact investigators, according to a statement from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The blaze in Riverside County, among several wildfires across California, had consumed more than 41 square miles (about 106 square kilometers) of dry brush and timber since it broke out Friday evening, fire officials said.
As of Monday afternoon, it was just 5% contained and the fire along with coronavirus precautions made for added stress at an evacuation center, said John Medina, an American Red Cross spokesman.
A brush fire burns at the Apple Fire in Banning, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Read more: https://apnews.com/59d270290a14c7eaa47848f50c4b74fc
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,710 posts)El Mimbreno
(777 posts)Friday evening, beered up and being obnoxious.
obamanut2012
(26,079 posts)In their huge dually pickup. The most ironic thing ever is that I was driving a diesel car.
C Moon
(12,213 posts)While the coastal areas have been below average for August. At one point, they were predicting this Thursday would have a high of 67 where I live (which is about 5 miles off the coast).
The Jet Stream must be doing weird things.
Hekate
(90,704 posts)...a dragging tailpipe. Damn. I hope all those people get home all right.
B Stieg
(2,410 posts)and closing (?)