An air tanker makes a retardant drop at the west flank of the Station Fire near Los Angeles August 30, 2009. The wildfire burning out of control in the mountains of Los Angeles doubled in size overnight on August 31, 2009 and torched more structures on its march toward rural communities, officials said. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Pushing in three directions, a massive wildfire in hills near Los Angeles doubled in size to 85,000 acres (about 34,425 hectares) overnight, authorities said on Monday.
"That fire burned just like it was daytime. Usually you get recovery because humidity goes up at night, which slows the fire down and you're able to construct more line around the fire," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Nathan Judy. "But last night that wasn't the case."
The Station Fire, which has destroyed 21 homes and killed two firefighters, is threatening 12,500 homes, forcing thousands of residents to flee. While the fire spreads, more homes will be burned, officials said.
Authorities put 6,600 residents under mandatory evacuation orders Sunday night.
Firefighters prepared for another long, hot day, putting significant resources on the northern edge of the fire near the town of Acton.
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