SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Several homes burned Monday as a fast-moving wildfire torched a California hillside community, triggering evacuations while hundreds of firefighters tried to control the blaze.
The Edgehill fire erupted in the 3300 block of Beverly Drive on Little Mountain about 2:40 p.m., according to San Bernardino County fire officials.
Early reports said the fire, fought by more than 200 firefighters, grew to at least 100 acres (40 hectares). By about 6 p.m., county officials said that the forward progress of the fire had been stopped, and that the blaze was holding at 54 acres (22 hectares) with 25% contained, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“At this point the fire is very much under control,” the department said.
Arson investigators were still trying to determine Monday evening how the fire started. One person was detained for a few hours but has been released, San Bernardino police said.
The Los Angeles Times reported that videos from the scene showed at least three homes consumed by fire, with residents fleeing their burning properties amid smoke-filled skies. One video circulating on social media showed a man hurrying up a hill while cradling a large turkey, flames raging behind him.
With San Bernardino temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) on Monday, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the area until 11 p.m. Tuesday when temperatures are expected to hit 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius).
Evacuation orders were issued to all residents south of Ridge Line Drive and north of Edgehill Road, west to and including Beverly Drive, and east to Circle Road. As of 9 p.m. Monday, authorities said the evacuation orders would remain in effect.
San Bernardino is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.
A wildfire in San Bernardino, California has rapidly spread through a hillside community, prompting evacuations and causing concern among residents and officials. The fire, which started on Monday afternoon, has quickly grown in size and intensity, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.
As of now, the fire has already burned through hundreds of acres of land and is threatening homes and structures in the area. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but the steep terrain and difficult access to some areas have made their efforts challenging.
Evacuation orders have been issued for several neighborhoods in the path of the fire, forcing residents to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. The Red Cross has set up evacuation centers to provide assistance to those affected by the fire.
Officials are urging residents to stay informed and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety. The fire is unpredictable and can change direction quickly, so it is important for residents to be prepared and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials suspect that it may have been sparked by human activity. With the hot and dry conditions in California, wildfires are a constant threat, and it is crucial for residents to take precautions to prevent fires from starting.
As the fire continues to burn, residents are hoping for favorable weather conditions that will help firefighters contain the blaze. In the meantime, they are coming together to support one another and offer assistance to those in need.
The San Bernardino wildfire serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and working together as a community to overcome challenges. It is a time for residents to come together and support one another as they face this devastating natural disaster.
