Brush fire breaks out in Angeles National Forest; evacuations ordered

AZUSA, CA -- A second alarm brush fire broke out Sunday afternoon in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa, prompting evacuations of campgrounds and day use areas.

Los Angeles County Fire and the Department of Forestry were working on putting out the flames, which quickly spread across 200 acres at Highway 39 near Mile Marker 22. Eight helicopters and 200 firefighters were sent in the initial response, officials said.

Evacuations were underway for areas near the river and lake, including North Fork at Mile Marker 28, Crystal Lake off-highway vehicle area, Coldbrook, East Fork west of Highway 2. Highway 39 was also closed at the bottom of the canyon.

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

City News Service contributed to this report.