Line Fire Grows in San Bernardino County; Evacuations Issued

In Southern California’s San Bernardino County, the Line Fire has rapidly spread, consuming over 7,100 acres by Saturday. As the flames surged, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for approximately 500 homes in the city of Highland.

Firefighters, numbering around 500, worked tirelessly to combat the wildfire, which nearly doubled in size within hours and remains at zero containment. Reports from the San Bernardino National Forest indicate that the fast-moving blaze prompted a mandatory evacuation order for surrounding residents early Saturday afternoon.

The current sweltering heat in the region has exacerbated the fire’s conditions. Weather officials have highlighted the smoke from the wildfire as a key factor, as it has generated storm-like clouds leading to reports of lightning strikes in the vicinity.

Additionally, these smoke-induced storm systems have increased local winds, further aiding the flames’ spread. The fire ignited along Baseline Road around 6 p.m. on Thursday, spreading rapidly and expanding through hundreds of acres before surging past 3,000 acres by Friday night. Residents near Highland reported being able to see the fire from their homes.

“The flames were right up on us because the wind shifted,” said local resident Brian Gano, who, alongside his wife and son, attempted to douse encroaching flames with a high-pressure hose.

The frightening sight of bright red flames lighting up the skies over San Bernardino County, coupled with thick smoke obstructing visibility, has made firefighting efforts particularly challenging. Firefighters have been conducting aerial fire retardant drops, striving to contain the inferno from both air and ground operations.

Despite these efforts to manage the fire within the boundaries of the San Bernardino National Forest, changing wind patterns have pushed the flames closer to residential areas. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua remarked, “We had an aggressive firefight on our hands to protect those homes.”

As the situation developed, residents were left anxiously waiting for evacuation orders. One resident, Diya Hirpara, described the tense atmosphere while purchasing groceries, noting, “It was pretty scary. We’re just kind of on the edge, just waiting.”

Initially, evacuation warnings had been in effect over the preceding days. However, on Saturday, authorities escalated the situation, implementing mandatory evacuation orders urging residents to leave without delay. This order impacted multiple neighborhoods, including regions from Calle Del Rio to Highway 38, covering Greenspot Road North.

According to a spokesperson from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, up to 506 homes were affected by these evacuation protocols. Throughout Saturday, additional evacuation zones were defined, with a focus on undeveloped land east of Highway 330 and Summertrail Place, and north of Highland Avenue.

Cal Fire officials have emphasized the urgency of the situation, labeling the fire as “an immediate threat to life.” Ongoing developments prompted even more evacuation orders as firefighters battled the advancing flames, particularly near Highways 330 and 18, where the fire had jumped the road.

Further evacuation commands were issued by the San Bernardino Police Department later in the evening, including areas north and east of Highland Avenue and Palm Avenue, as well as whole communities like Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake.

An evacuation shelter has been established at Immanuel Baptist Church on Baseline Street in Highland, with the American Red Cross providing essential support for displaced individuals, offering shelter, water, and additional resources.

In an unsettling twist, while residents were evacuating, a small earthquake rattled the area, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.

Due to the fire, air quality regulators have issued advisories warning about hazardous conditions resulting from smoke drifting into surrounding locales. The air quality has been deemed potentially harmful, particularly to sensitive groups, while warnings indicate that the smoke may have adverse effects on the broader population.

Wind patterns have directed smoke west toward cities like Highland and San Bernardino, prompting residents in those areas to brace for poor air quality conditions over the weekend.

Authorities have announced road closures, including Baseline Road from Fairwood to Brockwood, to facilitate firefighting operations. Residents have been advised to follow detour instructions while accessing affected areas. Aurantia Park in Highland has also been closed to the public.

For those impacted, comprehensive information regarding evacuation orders and road closures can be found through local channels.