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East Fire in Angeles National Forest torches nearly 150 acres of brush; 20% contained

Crews battling East Fire burning in Angeles National Forest above Glendora 01:10

Crews are working to contain a brush fire burning in the hills above Glendora.

The East Fire was first reported around 2:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon and was burning along Glendora Mountain Road and East Fork Road within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, according to the Angeles National Forest.

As of 10:30 a.m. Friday, the fire was estimated to have burned 149 acres and was reported to be at 20% containment.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from the 210 and 605 freeways.

Due to the steep terrain, access to the blaze was limited for ground units, who instead had to rely on a heavy attack from water-dropping aircraft. 

"The aircraft are working on the very north end where the fire ran to to help keep the head of the fire knocked down so it's not spreading," said US Forest Service Battalion Chief Seneca Smith.

Crews from Cal Fire, the Angeles National Forest and the Los Angeles County Fire Department were working to extinguish the flames.

Glendora Mountain Road from Glendora to the East Fork Road and Glendora Ridge Road from Mount Baldy Road to Glendora Mountain Road are closed as firefighting efforts continue.

It was not immediately clear what sparked the fire.

 

Blaze reaches 150 acres; just 20% contained

As crews continue to struggle with the steep terrain in the area, the fire has grown an additional 50 acres overnight.

By KCAL News Staff
 

Roads closed due to East Fire

Glendora Mountain Road from Glendora to the East Fork Road and Glendora Ridge Road from Mount Baldy Road to Glendora Mountain Road are closed as firefighting efforts continue.

By Madeline Spear
 

Roads closed due to East Fire

Glendora Mountain Road from Glendora to the East Fork Road and Glendora Ridge Road from Mount Baldy Road to Glendora Mountain Road are closed as firefighting efforts continue.

By Madeline Spear
 

Fire grows to 97 acres

The East Fire has grown to 97 acres as of 4 p.m.

By Madeline Spear
 

Air tankers drop water on flames

Air tankers and helicopters were seen from SKY9 dropping water and retardant on the flames.

Helicopters extinguishing fire with water drops 01:19
By Madeline Spear
 

Huge smoke plum rises from East Fire

A huge smoke plume could be seen from miles away as the East Fire rages.

Crews battling rapidly growing fire in Angeles National Forest 02:24
By Madeline Spear
 

Fire grows to 75 acres

The East Fire in the Angeles National Forest is now estimated at 75 acres.

By Madeline Spear
 

Claremont Hills Wilderness Park closed

The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park is being closed due to the nearby fire, Claremont city officials say.

By Madeline Spear
 

Crews dropping water on East Fire

Air tankers and helicopters are dropping water and retardant on the flames.

By Madeline Spear
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