Santa Ana Winds Heighten Local Fire Concerns, After Mt. Wilson is Evacuated and Uncontained Bobcat Fire Grows

A fire watch will be in effect in the greater Pasadena area Tuesday and Wednesday because of low humidity, strong Santa Ana winds, and vegetation left at “critical levels” of dryness in the aftermath of an “historic heat wave” even as the nearby Bobcat Fire continues to burn without containment northeast of Pasadena.

“The strongest Santa Ana winds are expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Fuels after this historic heat wave will be at critical levels as we enter into the Santa Ana wind event,” warned an NWS statement.

The nearby Bobcat Fire had burned 4,871 acres and was 0% contained as of Monday evening after breaking out at 12:22 p.m. Sunday near the Cogswell Dam and West Fork Day Use area of the forest.

Fire officials in Pasadena were keeping a watchful eye on the wildfire, as shifting winds could potentially push the flames in the city’s direction, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Authorities also warned of unhealthy air quality created by the smoke and ash.

Staff at the Mount Wilson Observatory were evacuated early Monday as the Bobcat Fire inched closer, according to the observatory.

Cal Fire ordered evacuation of staff this morning. pic.twitter.com/9hfZmaRrMH

— Mount Wilson Observatory (@MtWilsonObs) September 7, 2020

Efforts were underway to clear vegetation around the blaze. Structures were threatened, according to Angeles National Forest officials, who said five engines, three hand crews, four helicopters, five fixed-wing aircraft and two water tenders were assigned to the fire.

The USFS estimated the fire would not be fully contained until October 15.

Evacuations were already ordered for residents and Angeles National Forest visitors from Big Santa Anita Canyon, Mt. Wilson, San Gabriel Canyon, and Monrovia Canyon.

On Monday night, incident commanders issued a warning directing Monrovia residents in the foothill area below the Bobcat Fire to be prepared to evacuate due to rapid fire growth with a potential threat to life and property.

Residents under the warning were urged to have evacuation plans in place, organize their emergency evacuation supplies, and have essential evacuation personal belongings easily accessible. Vehicles should be fully fueled, facing out in their driveways and ready to take people and pets to designated evacuation sites, or to family and friends’ homes outside the fire area.

North-to-northeast winds of 20 to 40 miles per hour are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, along with gusts of 55 and 60 mph amid highs in the 90s and humidity levels of 5-15 percent, according to a NWS statement.

“If fire ignition occurs, conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread, long range spotting, and extreme fire behavior, which would threaten life and property. In addition to the threat of a wind-driven fire, there is a significant threat of large plume dominated fires with extreme fire behavior in areas where winds are lighter.”

Also issued was a wind advisory from noon Tuesday until 3 p.m. Wednesday in the San Gabriel Valley. The wind advisory will be in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects and make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” warned the NWS. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.”