Brush fire breaks out in Angeles National Forest; evacuations ordered

AZUSA, Calif. -- Thousands were evacuated from campgrounds and day use areas after a a second alarm brush fire broke out Sunday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest north of Azuza, officials said.

The fire, dubbed the Tecolote Fire, spread across 200 acres at Highway 39 near Mile Marker 22 and was at 0 percent containment by 5 p.m., said Nathan Judy, a spokesman with the U.S. Forest Service.

Eight helicopters and 200 firefighters were sent in the initial response, officials said. Hot temperatures and tough terrain remained a challenge for firefighters battling the flames, Judy said.

Areas near the river and lake were evacuated, including Coldbrook campground, which includes 22 sites, and about 20 recreational cabins. No residential homes were impacted. The U.S. Forest Service believes it has gotten everyone in the evacuation areas out, Judy said.

Crystal Lake campground has not yet been evacuated, but campers were informed of the situation. The California Highway Patrol closed Route 39 at Encanto Park to all traffic.

Azusa and Glendora police said the fire was no threat to their respective cities.

City News Service contributed to this report.