As flames overtook the pine forests surrounding Wrightwood, only half of the residents in this picturesque mountain town heeded the evacuation orders. Californians are increasingly ignoring the orders, growing accustomed to wildfires as the region faces what could be the most hazardous season yet. Kim Boyle, who has experienced a half-dozen wildfires during her decade in Wrightwood, said she would evacuate if she saw a fire actually burning in town. On the ground, firefighters and bulldozers worked to protect Wrightwood and other areas high in the San Gabriel Mountains. More than 34,000 homes and some 82,000 residents were under evacuation orders at one point.

Source: Washington Post August 19, 2016 06:22 UTC