LA Wildfire Strands Evacuation Holdouts

By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 31, 2009 5:25 PM CDT
LA Wildfire Strands Evacuation Holdouts
Tami Higgs discusses the loss of her home with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today in Auburn, Calif. A fire that broke out Sunday swept through the area, destroying some 50 homes.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

The so-called Station Fire is closing in on Los Angeles residents who refused to evacuate with their neighbors over the weekend and are now trapped and in danger, KTLA reports. Five people are stranded in a canyon, according to the AP. "Those people were told to get out two days ago, and now we are putting our people in danger to get them out," says a LA County sheriff's department rep.

A helicopter carrying a rescue crew was dispatched but had to turn back because the flames were too active. "It's burning everywhere," says a rep for the Forest Service. "When it gets into canyons that haven't burned in numerous years, it takes off." Heat and dry greenery are feeding the flames, but the ferocious winds that so often accompany SoCal wildfires have held off.
(More California wildfires stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X