Firefighters make progress on Summit Fire burning in Antelope Valley; evacuations still in place

LLANO, Calif. (KABC) -- Firefighters continued to battle a large brush fire in the Antelope Valley community of Llano on Saturday, with evacuation orders and warnings still in place for some residents. Crews were facing another day of extreme heat as they battled to contain the Summit Fire.

Cooler temperatures overnight helped in the firefight, but the blaze continues to burn.

The fire has now burned 2,690 acres with 8% containment, according to the Angeles National Forest.

Fire officials confirmed that one firefighter was injured, saying the injuries were only "minor and superficial." They are expected to be OK.

"Growth is moderating. We're taking advantage of lower temperatures today to make some progress," San Bernardino Fire Department Capt. Eric Sherwin told City News Service on Saturday. "We're hoping to have some containment numbers by sunset."

The Los Angeles County Fire Department says crews are still actively battling the fire and trying to protect homes and other buildings.

The fire burned into the Angeles National Forest and was advancing toward San Bernardino County.

"Overnight weather conditions created tactical opportunities allowing crews to create defensive positions to reduce the fire's ability to spread. Firefighters will continue to fight active fire sources while providing structure defense for residences in the affected areas," the Angeles National Forest reported Saturday.

In an update on Saturday evening, officials said significant winds and weather presented the potential for established spots to spread rapidly on Saturday, plus steep and rugged terrain created access challenges.

"Despite this, hard work on the ground in combination with persistent air attacks limited perimeter growth along the fire's edge," Angeles National Forest said in an update on social media.

The potential for rapid fire growth with erratic fire behavior remains high heading into Sunday.

More than 500 firefighters are battling the fire, including L.A. County, San Bernardino County and U.S. Forest Service crews.

No injuries have been reported, but several outbuildings and structures have been damaged or destroyed, and some homes were in the fire's path.

Evacuation orders and warnings were issued just after the fire started burning around 1 p.m. on Friday near Jesus Canyon Road and East Avenue Z, not far from the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line.

The evacuation order was issued for the area near East Avenue Z and Fort Tejon Road. Parts of Wrightwood are under an evacuation warning.

The Red Cross has opened a shelter for Summit Fire evacuees and their pets at the Antelope Valley YMCA on 10th Street in Lancaster. Officials say pets must be in a travel carrier or pet crate.

A small animal shelter was also established at the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center - Palmdale, located at 38550 Sierra Highway.

Anyone affected who needs the shelter is urged to bring an emergency kit and any supplies they need to feel comfortable and safe.

The shelter is open 24 hours a day for anyone who has to leave at any time.

Correction: An earlier version of this article erroneously reported that firefighters halted the forward progress of the fire. The story has been updated.

City News Service contributed to this report.