Bobcat Fire up to 65% containment after scorching 178 square miles; firefighters brace for Santa Ana winds, heat wave

By Marissa Wenzke and John Fenoglio
KTLA 5 News
September 27, 2020
Category: Forest Fires
Region: United States, US West

With Santa Ana winds expected late Sunday night, firefighters continued working to contain the 178-square mile Bobcat Fire as they braced for the drier, warmer conditions expected later. The wildfire has torn through the Angeles National Forest after erupting near Cogswell Dam and West Fork Day Use area on Sept. 6 and quickly spreading into surrounding areas. By Sunday morning, fire officials said the blaze was at 65% containment, slightly inching up from 63% the night before. Evacuations in many communities remain in place as more than 1,300 firefighting personnel continue working to strengthen containment lines. But strong winds accompanied by increased temperatures and relatively low humidity are expected late Sunday night and Monday morning — weather conditions creating new risks that could complicate firefighting efforts. …Beyond the drier, windier weather, forecasters are also predicting a significant heat wave with temperatures in the upper 90s and as high as 105 degrees expected in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Read More