Line Fire scorches over 14 000 ha (34 000 acres), thousands evacuated in San Bernardino County, California, U.S.

The Line Fire continues to burn through California’s San Bernardino County, consuming tens of thousands of acres since its ignition on September 5. The fire started near Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland around 18:00, quickly spreading through hundreds of acres before surpassing 1 215 ha (3 000 acres) by the night of September 6.

As of Wednesday morning, September 11, the wildfire had scorched 14 027 ha (34 659 acres), with containment at just 14%, according to Cal Fire. Dry, hot conditions and erratic winds have complicated firefighting efforts, and officials are monitoring the potential spread toward Big Bear Valley.

“The fire is moving northeast and we’re concerned for the citizens of Big Bear,” said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey, noting that thunderstorms contributed to the fire’s unpredictable movement.

Thousands of residents have been evacuated. Communities including Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Forest Falls are currently under evacuation orders. Residents were urged to prepare for possible evacuation as warnings remain in place for areas like Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead.

One of the two main power supply lines to Big Bear Valley, including potential evacuation zones, was shut off for public safety.

So far, no casualties or civilian injuries have been reported due to the fire, but three firefighters were injured during suppression efforts.

Officials have arrested a 34-year-old man from Norco in connection with the fire’s ignition, charging him with alleged arson.

Evacuation centers have been set up in Victorville and Highland, with an additional animal evacuation shelter established at the Devore Animal Shelter.

Thousands of structures remain threatened by the blaze, with Cal Fire reporting that 65 600 structures, including homes and commercial buildings, are under threat. A damage assessment team is currently working in the region to check on any structures that may have been damaged.

Over the weekend, temperatures surpassed 37.8 °C (100 °F), leading Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on the night of September 7, allowing more resources to be allocated to combat the fire. Newsom also activated the California National Guard, deploying 80 soldiers, helicopters, and cargo planes to assist in firefighting efforts.

Currently, 386 engines, 28 water tenders, 22 helicopters, 63 bulldozers, 65 hand crews, and 3 179 personnel are engaged in firefighting efforts.

The wildfire’s rapid growth has been fueled by extreme weather conditions.

According to weather officials, the smoke from the fire created clouds similar to those accompanying thunderstorms, prompting reports of over 1 100 lightning strikes in the area.

The fire-created storm system increased winds in the immediate area, fanning the flames as they continued to spread and creating challenges for firefighters. Cal Fire said on September 8 that “thunderstorm outflow winds” were causing “very erratic behavior.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also approved funding to assist with the fire, in addition to other large fires burning in Nevada and Oregon. FEMA’s aid is intended to help states “mitigate, manage, and control active wildfires.”

Air quality has been a major concern, with the South Coast Air Quality Management District issuing a smoke advisory as winds carried smoke into the surrounding areas.

The air quality was reported as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” and reached levels categorized as “very unhealthy” in some locations. On September 6 and 7, winds blew the smoke west toward the cities of Highland and San Bernardino, where residents were advised to limit outdoor activities.

Road closures have also impacted the region, with Highway 38, Highway 18, and Highway 330 closed in several sections to allow for firefighting operations and public safety.

References:

¹ Line Fire Incident Update – Cal Fire – September 11, 2024

² Line Fire in Southern California a threat to Big Bear Lake, officials say: “We’re concerned for the citizens” – CBS -September 11, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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