California Wildfires Force 250,000 Evacuations in Record 118F Heat
The Condor Fire forced 250,000 evacuations in Southern California amid 118F temperatures and 65 mph winds, destroying over 1,200 structures near Los Angeles.
•The fire destroyed at least 1,200 structures, including residential homes in the communities of Castaic and Val Verde. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and deployed 3,000 Cal Fire personnel while requesting federal assistance from FEMA.
•Meteorologists warned that the combination of prolonged drought, record heat, and the Santa Ana winds creates the most dangerous fire weather conditions Southern California has seen in a decade. Air quality alerts were issued across the greater Los Angeles basin for a 150-mile radius.
By John Carter·Jul 3, 2026
