According to emergency officials, the wildfire that is raging through the foothills of San Bernardino County in Southern California is now threatening more than 36,000 structures.
The Line Fire started on September 5 and has since burned approximately 21,203 acres east of Los Angeles. Three firefighters were injured while attempting to control the blaze, as reported by fire officials. As of Monday afternoon, the fire was only 3% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Although no structures have been damaged or destroyed so far, Cal Fire stated on Monday that 36,328 structures, including both homes and commercial buildings, are under threat from the fire.
“The fire made short but intense runs on the slopes and through the lighter fuels, resulting in its growth,” Cal Fire said in a statement on Monday. “The vegetation remains extremely dry. Hot and dry weather will persist on Monday, and an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for the lower elevations of the fire area.”
Cal Fire officials said they plan to use aircraft capable of night flights whenever possible to “try to confine the fire within the [current] containment lines.”
“Early next week, cooler weather will reduce the fire activity below the marine layer. However, the fire activity above the marine layer will still be active. There is still a possibility that spot fires will start well outside the control lines,” Cal Fire said in a statement.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County on Saturday, and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for residents in the path of the blaze. The evacuations were expanded on Sunday.
Newsom said that the state’s request for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was approved by President Joe Biden on Saturday afternoon.
“I thank President Biden for his quick approval of support for the efforts of our firefighters and first responders in fighting this fire and protecting local communities,” Newsom said.
“It is crucial that residents in the affected areas remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate immediately if local authorities issue such a call.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
In another location, the Bridge Fire started on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles County and has burned 1,255 acres north of Azusa in the Angeles National Forest, according to fire officials. The fire is not yet contained (0% containment), and evacuation orders have been issued for a mobile home park, campgrounds, and a small river community. Night – flying helicopters have been dispatched to try to control the blaze.
The Boyles Fire in Lake County, Northern California, which also started on Sunday afternoon, had burned 76 acres by Monday and was 30% contained. Cal Fire noted that “crews are making good progress,” although “the forward progress has not been completely stopped.” Around 30 structures and between 40 and 50 vehicles have been destroyed.
Firefighters are also fighting the Davis Fire in Washoe County, Nevada, where 6,500 acres have been burned and the fire is not contained (0% containment). The fire is “burning in thick timber and brush,” according to the U.S. Forest Service. The service added on social media that “gusty conditions” are forecast throughout the week and noted that at least 14 structures have been affected so far.
“Power outages continue,” the Forest Service said, and a “portion of south Reno is under an evacuation notice,” affecting between 12,000 and 14,000 people.