The Bouquet fire in Angeles National Forest expanded overnight to cover 1,048 acres and has reached 40% containment, officials reported Sunday. The blaze, which began on Saturday afternoon near the intersection of Bouquet Canyon Road and Quarry Road northeast of Santa Clarita, prompted evacuation orders for the surrounding remote mountainous region, affecting an estimated 30 to 60 residents living in small cabins within the canyon area.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initiated evacuations on Saturday as the fire spread amid a persistent heat wave. Forest spokesperson John Miller indicated that closures of key commuter routes, including Bouquet Canyon and San Francisquito Canyon roads, could increase the number of people impacted in the coming days. Miller noted that prolonged road closures are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions.

Fire activity intensified Sunday afternoon, though the coordinated use of air tankers and helicopters helped protect residential structures, Miller said from the scene. Conditions remained challenging due to soaring temperatures, which reached as high as 107 degrees in some parts of the national forest on Saturday. Although forecasts predict a slight temperature decline to the mid-90s to 100 degrees, the heat wave is anticipated to persist through at least Thursday.

Miller described the influence of Santa Ana winds on Saturday as pushing the fire southwestward. He cautioned that changes in wind patterns, such as a shift to the cooler ocean-driven winds typical in the region, could cause the fire to behave unpredictably in areas not previously affected. As of Sunday morning, officials were closely monitoring these factors but noted it was too early to determine potential new fire activity.

Governor Gavin Newsom urged the public to follow evacuation directives and comply with emergency management guidance via social media. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed gratitude for the efforts of firefighters and first responders operating under extreme heat and difficult terrain.

Fire crews, supported by engines, hand crews, bulldozers, and helicopters, continued working to gain ground against the fire despite the adverse conditions. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.