Officials in San Bernardino County, California, issued an evacuation order Saturday after a wildfire grew to over 3,000 acres.
Firefighter Craig Posey, left, hoses down a hot spot while fighting the Line Fire, Sept. 6, 2024, in Highland, Calif.)
Jae C. Hong/AP
The Line Fire was 0% contained as of Saturday afternoon, roughly two days after the fire started, according to Cal Fire.
The evacuation order, which was issued due to “an immediate threat to life,” affected the area from Calle Del Rio to Highway 38, including Greenspot Road north, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Firefighters keep an eye on the Line Fire on Sept. 6, 2024, in Highland, Calif.
Jae C. Hong/AP
Residents of the small town of Wrightwood, California were forced to evacuate their homes on Tuesday due to the rapidly spreading Line Fire. The fire, which broke out in the San Bernardino National Forest, quickly grew in size and intensity, prompting officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders for the entire town.
The Line Fire, which was first reported on Monday afternoon, has already burned through thousands of acres of land and is threatening homes and infrastructure in the area. Firefighters have been working around the clock to contain the blaze, but strong winds and dry conditions have made their efforts challenging.
The evacuation order for Wrightwood came as a shock to many residents, who had to quickly gather their belongings and leave their homes behind. Local shelters have been set up to accommodate those who have been displaced by the fire, and officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay safe.
The Line Fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires in California, especially during the dry summer months. Climate change has made wildfires more frequent and intense in recent years, putting communities at risk and straining firefighting resources.
As the Line Fire continues to burn out of control, residents of Wrightwood are left wondering when they will be able to return home and assess the damage. In the meantime, firefighters are doing everything they can to contain the blaze and protect homes and lives in the area.
It is important for residents in fire-prone areas like California to have a plan in place for evacuations and to stay informed about wildfire risks in their community. By being prepared and staying vigilant, we can help prevent tragedies like the Line Fire from happening in the future.
