The unyielding flames of the Line Fire in San Bernardino County have led to the mandatory evacuation of thousands as the blaze has expanded to over 20,000 acres. The fire began near Highland on Thursday evening and grew rapidly due to high temperatures and dry conditions. CBS Los Angeles reports that the fire has affected areas from Greenspot Road North to Highway 38 and east of Highway 330, with evacuation orders impacting well over 6,000 residents. Firefighters, who have only achieved 3% containment, continue to combat the fire through the night, utilizing cooler temperatures for strategic gains.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the area, enabling the deployment of more resources to aid in battling the inferno. "We know that triple-digit temperatures are coming again today, so that's why it's so important to get that work done at night when it is cooler," Brent Pascua, Cal Fire Battalion Chief, said in a statement obtained by CBS Los Angeles. The evacuation orders cover a sizeable area, including entire communities such as Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, as CAL FIRE and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department further mention the increased regions under threat.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a wildfire smoke advisory due to the smoke's effect on air quality ranging from moderate to hazardous. Residents in nearby areas, including Highland, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead, have been advised to be cautious of the unhealthy air conditions. As per NBC Los Angeles, satellite imagery confirmed smoke plumes moving across the South Coast Air Basin, impacting a vast region from Menifee to Santa Clarita.
Amid the calamity, community resources have quickly tried to adapt, establishing evacuation centers and animal shelters for those displaced by the fire. Notably, shelters like the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds and the Jessie Turner Community Center, alongside the Devore Animal Shelter, are offering refuge. According to a report by Hoodline, this collective response aims to support both residents and their animals as the need arises. Unfortunately, for those trying to stay aware of road conditions, several key routes, including Highway 18 and Highway 330, have faced closures, further impacting the ability to swiftly evacuate the danger zones.
The response to the Line Fire continues to escalate with more than 1,700 personnel assigned to the fire as reported by CAL FIRE. Updates on the situation, road closures, and evacuation directives are continuously released as authorities manage the ongoing crisis. For the latest information on the Line Fire, concerned citizens are encouraged to visit InciWeb or contact the designated information lines for assistance.
