Morris Dam Fire/Red Flag Alert Due to High Temps/
At least 600 firefighters are battling a brush fire in the foothills above the San Gabriel Valley.
The Forest Service says the fire started at about 4:27 p.m. Tuesday, quickly consumed at least 250 acres and put up a huge plume of smoke visible for miles.
Highway 39 in Azusa is closed due to a large forest fire. Numerous engines are on scene. Six air tankers, four helicopters, at least two helitankers and more equipment has been requested according to the National Forest Service
The fire was burning on the west side of Highway 39 at 5:30pm.
County fire also has helicopters, ground crews and engines assisting, Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Fred Stowers said. The fire started around 4:30 p.m.
Highway 39 is closed in both directions.
The cause is under investigation.
The National Weather Service says high temperatures and dry air this week have created the potential for heavy fire danger in the mountains.
Photos by Terry Miller