Fast-moving Line Fire forces evacuations in San Bernardino mountains
An uncontrolled wildfire in San Bernardino County doubled in size overnight, exploding from 7,122 acres to nearly 17,500 acres Sunday morning. The fire forced mandatory evacuations Saturday in mountain communities that include Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, and prompted evacuation warnings Sunday in Lake Arrowhead, Cedar Glen, Crestline and Valley of Enchantment.
More than 35,400 structures are threatened by the fire, which is 0% contained. Three firefighters have been injured; more than 600 have been assigned to tackle the flames.
Thunderstorms and lightning on Saturday suspended aircraft services, limiting firefighters’ ability to dump flame retardants and water on the fire. The National Weather Service said by 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 282 lightning strikes were recorded in Highland and Big Bear with 3,337 other lightning flashes that stayed in the clouds.
“Because they’re trying to fight the fires on some steep terrain, it’s almost impossible for them to utilize ground attack,” said weather service meteorologist Dave Munyan.
Winds on Sunday were expected between 15 to 20 mph and an excessive heat warning remained in place throughout the day. Temperatures were expected to range from the upper 80s to around 100 degrees.
“The weather is definitely not cooperating for (firefighters) today,” Munyan said.
The heat wave bearing down on the south state is not expected to break until Tuesday. Los Angeles County and surrounding areas are under a red flag warning as temperatures are expected to reach more than 100 degrees in some parts.
On Saturday, firefighters were using hand lines, hoses and fixedwing aircraft to fight the Line Fire, which started Thursday evening and exploded that night as temperatures climbed to 110. Steep terrain and lack of access limited the ability of crews to access some areas of the fires, Cal Fire said in a statement.
“It’s burning out of control,” said David Cruz, spokesman for the San Bernardino National Forest.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in San Bernardino County on Saturday night and announced receiving federal funds to help reimburse the cost of suppressing the fire.
“I thank President (Joe) Biden for his swift approval of support for the work of our firefighters and first responders battling this fire and protecting local communities,” Newsom said in a statement. “It’s critical that residents in the impacted areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called for by local authorities.”