On the morning of Aug. 27, the Cleveland National Forest announced on Twitter that a new flare-up was sighted around the Holy Fire in Orange County, Southern California.
The wildfire previously burned 22,986 acres and was 95% contained as of Aug. 24, according to Cal Fire.
Fire officials at first said that the new flare-up occurred “within the previously established containment lines,” but the fire later managed to jump past those lines, threatening the communication towers on the top of the hill, according to City News Service (CNS).
Some new activity is occurring around the #HolyFire. This will be very visible from surrounding communities. Resources have been dispatched and are responding with cooperators. Please refer questions to the Trabuco Ranger District 951-736-1811 pic.twitter.com/fgRz2uMAOa
— Cleveland NF (@ClevelandNF) August 27, 2018
Authorities said no evacuations have been ordered thus far. Fire officials sent five air tankers and two helicopters, along with eight crews, nine fire engines, and a water tender as ground resources, Kevin Ferris from the Trabuco Ranger District told The Epoch Times.
“Their objective will be to protect communication towers, but there are no residential structures threatened,” said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito to CNS.
The flames have scorched about 40 additional acres so far.
“The fire is kinda slow moving, and it’s backing down the slopes,” said Kevin Ferris to The Epoch Times.
A fire is burning up at Santiago Peak, near where the #HolyFire burned earlier this month.
Camera live stream: https://t.co/LLoXB1Sy3A pic.twitter.com/3RUaR3Fvdk— Ryan Fonseca (@RyFons) August 27, 2018
The increase in smoke was visible in nearby communities. Twitter user Phil Derner Jr. posted a photo of his view from Menifee at 10:12 a.m., showing some smoke in the sky.
View from #Menifee. pic.twitter.com/jNI6zhKFGP
— Phil Derner, Jr. (@PhilDernerJr) August 27, 2018
Ferris also said some expected consequences due to the Holy Fire include charred nearby fields, which negatively impacts the wildlife, as well as an increased risk of mudslides with the rainy season approaching.
From The Epoch Times
