In the heart of the Los Angeles National Forest, a cherished getaway for many locals is now facing an alarming threat.
Frequent visitors to this California tourist hotspot are growing increasingly anxious that their beloved family retreat could be wiped out by the devastating wildfires sweeping across the state.
A Family Tradition Turned Into a Nightmare
Eduardo Flores, 32, has fond memories of spending summers by the East Fork of the San Gabriel River with his family.
This summer, like many before, he drove from South LA to enjoy the refreshing escape from the scorching triple-digit temperatures in Southern California.
However, their vacation took a terrifying turn on July 19 when they had to evacuate due to the outbreak of The Fork Fire.
This blaze ravaged 301 acres before it was brought under control nine days later on July 28, as reported by The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Bridge Fire Strikes Again
When Flores and his family returned to their favorite spot on September 7, they were greeted by another disaster.
Just one day later, The Bridge Fire erupted, adding to their fears.
Flores described the situation to SFGate, saying, “It was scary. It was unexpected because we always come and nothing like that had happened.”
A Dire Situation Unfolding
Matthew Bokach, manager of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument within Angeles National Forest, estimated that around 3,000 to 5,000 people were in the area when the fire broke out.
Bokach shared his concerns with SF Gate, stating, “My nightmare scenario has always been that the canyon is completely packed, no one can get in or out, and we have a fire break out on a slope right above the river.”
He continued, “People are gonna panic, they’re not going to be able to really get anywhere, either on foot or by car.
That’s always been sort of my biggest nightmare in the East Fork, and it’s not an infeasible possibility.”
Fire’s Widespread Destruction
Currently, there have been no reported injuries or accidents.
The Bridge Fire has now burned through nearly 53,000 acres and was reported to be only three percent contained as of Friday morning.
The blaze started in the Angeles National Forest on a Sunday afternoon and has already destroyed at least 33 homes in Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy, according to CBS News.
Cal Fire reported that firefighters have managed to gain some control over the fire thanks to cooler temperatures and higher humidity.
However, San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesman Eric Sherwin warned that the fire “still presents a very real threat” despite the temporary relief.
Ongoing Threats and Evacuation Warnings
In addition, authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of a man connected to the Line Fire, which is burning across more than 36,400 acres in the foothills of San Bernardino National Forest, as reported by NBC News.
Evacuation warnings are in effect across Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, with numerous care and animal shelters available to assist those displaced by the fires.
As the situation continues to develop, residents and officials alike are left wondering what will come next.