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Firefighters Battle Quick-Moving Bobcat Fire In Angeles National Forest

BOBCAT FIRE REAL-TIME UPDATES

DUARTE (CBSLA) — Firefighters battled a fast-moving brush fire burning in the Angeles National Forest.

The Bobcat Fire erupted at West Fork Road at Cogswell Reservoir around 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, and according to fire officials, has a rapid rate of spread.

The California Highway Patrol evacuated campers quickly as the plume of smoke crept closer and grew bigger.

By 6 p.m., it reached 1,800 acres and no progress had been made on containment.

Firefighters were battling the blaze in record-heat and rough terrains.

"It's extremely difficult because they have to manage their energy levels and make sure they're not overexerting themselves, not just with the heat but with the long duration we've had, said Seneca Smith, Angeles National Forest's Public Information Officer.

San Gabriel Canyon Road (Highway 39) is closed at Old San Gabriel Canyon Road to allow emergency vehicle access.

A temporary flight restriction was in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire crews said they were experiencing erratic fire behavior, and about 100 crew members remained at the scene.

No injuries or property damage have been reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

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