Wildfire doubles under ‘perfect fire storm'

(NECN/ABC) – Events over the past 24 hours combined for what officials call the “perfect fire storm.” With the right combination of weather, fuel, and terrain, the California wildfire doubled in size over night. The inferno in the hills north of Los Angeles is sending spectacular plumes of smoke high above the city. “So early in the fire and it is very treacherous and we need to be collectively on our toes,” Captain Mike Dietrich, incident commander with the U.S. Forest Service, said. Normally calm weather helps fire fighters, but not in this case. With no wind to blow the heavy smoke away it is difficult for pilots to see where to drop their loads of retardant. And the terrain makes it difficult to fight on the ground. Only a few structures have been destroyed, but flames now threaten some 10, 000 homes. It is not just the professionals trying to protect private property.or private property that is threatened. Mt. Wilson, home of the world famous observatory and many of the region’s broadcast and communications antennas is in danger. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect in several areas. So far the fire has consumed 35,000 acres and is not close to being under control. Over 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze and officials hope additional manpower and slightly cooler temperatures will provide some relief. The cause of the fire, which began Wednesday, is under investigation. ABC’s Chuck Sivertsen reports.