13 Aug 2018 | 04:54 AM UTC
US: Some evacuation orders lifted near Holy Fire (California) August 12 /update 1
Officials report so-called Holy Fire in Orange and Riverside counties (California) is 51 percent contained as of August 12; some evacuation orders lifted
Event
As of 19:30 (local time) on Sunday, August 12, the so-called Holy Fire in Orange and Riverside counties is 51 percent contained. The fire has burned 9192 hectares (22,714 acres) of land but firefighters continue to make progress in preventing further spread. Some evacuation orders have been lifted in the Lake Elsinore, Sycamore Creek, Machado, and Shoreline communities. According to media reports, around 11,120 people remain under mandatory evacuation, down from 21,000 on Friday, August 10. Authorities have also announced that Highway 74 (Ortega Highway) near Lake Elsinore will be closed on Monday, August 13, as a precaution. Up-to-date information on these and other California wildfires can be found on the CalFire website or its Twitter account.
Context
The Holy Fire started on August 6 near the Cleveland National Forest. Authorities believe it was intentionally set and one suspect has been arrested on arson charges. Wildfires are frequent in California from May through November.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfires, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.
