Angeles National Forest fire threatens ranger station

Flames from a wildfire above La Cañada Flintridge changed direction Thursday night and were threatening the Angeles Crest Ranger Station, officials said.

The so-called Station fire in the Angeles National Forest was burning north toward remote areas, but one of its flanks reversed direction and was heading down a steep canyon toward the station and several surrounding structures, the U.S. Forest Service said.

"It's close enough that people are starting to get alarmed about saving the station," said Forest Service spokesman Robert Brady.

If the flames reach the station, Brady said, they would be just a mile from residential neighborhoods in La Cañada Flintridge.

The flames were lapping above Lukens Ridge and were visible to residents in areas below. But no evacuations have been ordered, officials said.

The fire has burned about 350 acres of dry brush and was 10% contained. The cause of the blaze, as well as another one that has scorched 1,700 acres above Glendora and Azusa, was under investigation.

--Robert J. Lopez

Photo: A firefighter battles the Station fire in the Angeles National Forest.

Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times