A fast-moving complex of wildfires in Southern California forced the emergency evacuation of more than 250,000 residents across Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties as temperatures hit 118F in some inland areas and winds gusted to 65 miles per hour. The Condor Fire spread to over 85,000 acres within 48 hours.
The fire destroyed at least 1,200 structures, including residential homes in the communities of Castaic and Val Verde. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and deployed 3,000 Cal Fire personnel while requesting federal assistance from FEMA.
Meteorologists warned that the combination of prolonged drought, record heat, and the Santa Ana winds creates the most dangerous fire weather conditions Southern California has seen in a decade. Air quality alerts were issued across the greater Los Angeles basin for a 150-mile radius.