Wildfire burns 2,600 acres in northern Los Angeles County, triggers evacuations and air alerts

A wildfire near the San Bernardino County line has burned more than 2,600 acres in northern Los Angeles County and prompted evacuation orders and smoke advisories. The fire, called the Summit Fire, started near Phelan and grew rapidly on Friday from 309 acres to 1,600 acres in roughly two and a half hours. Officials said the blaze continued to spread Saturday morning in the Antelope Valley.

Evacuation orders and warnings Residents in Zones LAC-E107 and LAC-E127-C received evacuation orders and were told to leave immediately. Residents in seven additional zones received evacuation warnings and were advised to prepare to leave if conditions worsen.

Three zones in San Bernardino County also received evacuation warnings. The Antelope Valley Family YMCA in Lancaster opened as an evacuation shelter, and the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Palmdale opened as a small-animal shelter.

m. Saturday. The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert after the South Coast Air Quality Management District warned that high-elevation areas including Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead could experience harmful pollution levels. Officials advised residents who see or smell smoke to stay indoors, run air conditioners or air purifiers, and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

Fire behavior and terrain Officials said steep, rugged terrain has limited ground access. Firefighters continued operations from the air and ground, supported by night-flying helicopters. A Friday night update noted the fire is moving toward the Bridge Fire burn scar, which may slow its spread. Temperatures in Llano, where the fire originated, were forecast to reach 102 degrees Saturday.