A new map released by California The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows a rapidly expanding line fire spreading across San Bernardino County, threatening thousands of homes and critical structures.
growing rapidly Forest fire The governor in Southern California has been asked Gavin Newsom Declaring a state of emergency as authorities rush to put out the fire.
Strong winds and dry conditions fueled the fire, which started Thursday evening and had burned more than 7,000 acres by Saturday evening. The Line Fire is currently forecast to affect more than 17,000 acres.
Residents of affected areas, including highlands, have been ordered to evacuate Firefighters Struggle to create lines of control. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Newsom issued an emergency declaration late Saturday evening, unlocking additional state resources and personnel to help firefighters and securing federal aid to support the response to the Line Fire.
“I am thankful President [Joe] Biden For their swift approval of the work of our firefighters and first responders fighting these fires and protecting local communities. It is important that residents in affected areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called upon by local authorities,” he said in a statement.
It was also announced that California received a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of critical firefighting resources.
Newsweek Newsom’s office was reached by email Sunday outside business hours for further comment.
Frontline Wildfire Defense has also released a map showing the large extent of areas affected by recent fires.
The fire map shows a dangerously wide perimeter, with fires approaching populated areas. Evacuation orders have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the following areas:
- The area from Calle del Rio to Highway 38, including Greenspot Road North
- All undeveloped land east of Summertrail Place from Highway 330 and north of Highland Avenue
- Areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18
- Communities of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake
- The area from Highland Avenue east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill to the foothills in the north
- North of Highland Avenue and east of Palm Avenue to Highway 330
Reported by The Associated PresssAbout 500 firefighters were battling the blaze, “supported by water-dropping helicopters that hovered over homes and hillsides with aircraft.” The fire department said the fire had “potential for major fire growth”.
Newsweek The San Bernardino County Fire Department was reached by email outside of business hours Sunday for further comment.
The San Bernardino fire is the most severe California’s 2024 Fire Seasonwhich is already marked by extreme heat waves and prolonged droughts. Conditions have created a “tinderbox” environment, increasing the potential for large wildfires.
Air quality has also become a concern in areas surrounding the fire, with thick smoke spreading over large parts of the affected areas.
Residents are advised to visit fire.ca.gov for real-time information on active fires and read.ca.gov for information on how to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather.
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