A new map released by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection shows a rapidly expanding Line Fire stretching across San Bernardino County, threatening thousands of homes and critical infrastructure.
The fast-growing wildfire in Southern California has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency as authorities rush to contain the blaze.
Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the fire, which began on Thursday evening and, as of Saturday evening, had already scorched more than 7,000 acres. The Line Fire is currently predicted to affect over 17,000 acres of land.
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Residents in affected areas, including Highlands, have been ordered to evacuate as firefighters struggle to create containment lines. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Newsom issued the emergency declaration late Saturday afternoon, unlocking additional state resources and personnel to assist firefighters and securing federal assistance to support the response to the Line Fire.
"I thank President [Joe] Biden for his swift approval of support for the work of our firefighters and first responders battling this fire and protecting local communities. It's critical that residents in the impacted areas remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate immediately if called for by local authorities," he said in a statement.
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It was also announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress the fire.
Newsweek reached out to Newsom's office on Sunday via email outside of working hours for further comment.
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Frontline Wildfire Defense also issued a map showing the vast expanse of areas affected by the latest fires.
The fire map shows a dangerously wide perimeter, with the blaze creeping closer to 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 underdeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue
- The areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18
- The communities of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake
- The area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill from Highland Avenue north to the foothills
- North of Highland Avenue and East of Palm Avenue to Highway 330
As reported by The Associated Press, around 500 firefighters were battling the blaze, "supported by water-dropping helicopters that hovered over homes and hillsides, along with aircraft." The fire department said the blaze had the "potential for large fire growth."
Newsweek reached out to San Bernardino County Fire Department outside of working hours on Sunday via email for further comment.
The San Bernadino blaze is one of the most severe of California's 2024 fire season, which has already been marked by extreme heat waves and prolonged drought. The conditions have created a "tinderbox" environment, increasing the likelihood of major wildfires.
Air quality has also become a concern in areas surrounding the fire, with thick smoke spreading across large parts of affected areas.
Residents are advised to visit fire.ca.gov for real-time information on active fires and ready.ca.gov for information on how to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather.
About the writer
Emma Marsden is a freelance news reporter for Newsweek who has lived in the U.K and the U.S. Her interests ... Read more