Southern California Wildfire Triples in Size

weather, fire dangers, California wildfires
Smoke from the Powerhouse Wildfire burning north of Los Angeles was spotted by NASA’s Terra satellite on June 1, 2013. (Image credit: AccuWeather.com)

This article was provided by AccuWeather.com.

Firefighters in Southern California continue to battle the massive Powerhouse Wildfire that more than tripled in size from Saturday night to Sunday.

The Powerhouse Wildfire has burned 19,500 acres as of midday Sunday, according to the Incident Information System.

The fire has more than tripled in size since 9 p.m. PDT Saturday when the fire's size was reported to be 5,561 acres, according to Lisa Lugo, Executive Assistant to the Angeles National Forest.

RELATED: Forecast Temperature Maps AccuWeather.com Western Weather Blog California Weather Center

Lugo also confirmed that the blaze destroyed six structures and is only 20 percent contained.

More than a thousand homes are being threatened, and the community of Lake Hughes is under a mandatory evacuation. The community of Elisabeth Lake is under a voluntary evacuation order.

Officials anticipate to have the blaze fully contained on Wednesday.

No rain will aid firefighters during that time. Instead, a gusty breeze between 12 and 25 mph will blow Monday afternoon. A slightly lighter breeze will follow for Tuesday afternoon.

High temperatures through Wednesday will range from the 70s in the higher elevations to the lower 80s in Lake Hughes.

Even hotter weather is in store for later in the week.

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