Line Fire grows to more than 25,000 acres, stronger winds forecast for Tuesday (2024)

What you should know

  • Fire creates its own weather conditions
  • The basics
  • Evacuation map and orders
  • Evacuation warnings
  • Evacuation shelters
  • Road closures
  • What we know so far
  • Resources to prep and cope with wildfire

This story is no longer being updated. You can read the latest at: Strong winds may prove challenge for firefighters on Line Fire in San Bernardino mountains

As of Monday evening, the Line Fire in San Bernardino County has grown to 25,813 acres and is threatening mountain communities near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.

Multiple evacuation orders are in place for nearby residents. Authorities warn that more than 38,000 structures, including homes and businesses, are still threatened. Some, 8,800 structures are in places under mandatory evacuation orders and another 29,200 structures are under warnings, according to a Monday evening update.

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The fire broke out last Thursday and has been a challenge for firefighters because off a mixture of high temperatures, steep terrain and dense brush. It has also created its own weather, generating erratic winds that cast embers far and wide.

The concern going into Tuesday: stronger winds, which could increase spotting, which happens when embers ignite more spot fires.

Fire officials say "the fire could remain active overnight as vegetation remains critically dry."

Cooler weather is on the way, and temperatures should drop back down to around normal later in the week.

On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County to secure federal assistance for firefighting efforts.

Fire creates its own weather conditions

Terrifyingly awesome pyrocumulonimbus clouds formed on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, generating erratic winds and lightning strikes which threaten new fire starts. There's a good chance they'll show up again on Monday, according to the National Weather Service in San Diego.

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Omg pic.twitter.com/nFl2wp7LlS

— FirePhotoGirl (@FirePhotoGirl) September 8, 2024

To form, the clouds need both a source of lift and a source of moisture. When the fire burns extremely hot, that hot air rises high into the atmosphere, carrying with it a whole lot of water released by live plants, primed to burn after months of extreme temperatures throughout Southern California.

The towering pyrocumulonimbus clouds can climb to 40,000 feet in the air.

Notable PyroCu plumes already on three significant SoCal fires this afternoon, as labeled, including #LineFire, #BridgeFire, and new #AirportFire. PyroCb possible later this PM, with lightning/outflow & downdraft winds as hazards. #CAwx #CAfire pic.twitter.com/f22jMqrE4c

— Dr. Daniel Swain (@Weather_West) September 9, 2024

A wildfire smoke advisory has been extended until Monday night as the smoky air will continue to impact San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties. We have a guide on how to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke.

The basics

  • Acreage:25,813 acres as of 10:30 p.m. Monday
  • Containment: 5%
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Structures destroyed:None reported (38,002 structures are considered threatened, including single and multi-family homes, commercial buildings, and other minor structures.)
  • Deaths:None
  • Injuries:3
  • Personnel assigned: 1,890

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Evacuation map and orders

Evacuation orders have been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for the following areas:

  • The area from Calle Del Rio to Hwy 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, Arrow Bear Lake, Mountain Home Village, Forrest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and all nearby campgrounds.
  • 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
  • Garnett Street east to 38 and Mill Creek north to the foothills

Evacuation warnings

Authorities say those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave immediately.

  • From Boulder Avenue east to Church Street and Greenspot Road north to the foothills
  • Church Street east to the city limit and from the foothills south to Greenspot Road
  • Green Valley Lake north of Highway 18
  • The communities of Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment
  • Big Bear Valley from the dam to Cactus Road

Evacuation shelters

For people:

  • San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Building 6 at 14800 7th Street, Victorville
  • Jesse Turner Health and Fitness Community Center at 15556 Summit Avenue, Fontana

For animals: Devore Animal Shelter, 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino

  • (909) 386-9820
  • (800) 472-5609 (after hours)

Road closures

  • Highway 18 is currently closed from Kuffel Canyon to the Big Bear Dam. If you are in Running Springs, you are able to get out but you will not be allowed back in.
  • Highway 330 remains closed from Highland Avenue to Highway 18 in Running Springs
  • Highway 18 is closed going northbound (inbound) from Kuffel Canyon to Running Springs. Only southbound (outbound) traffic is allowed.
  • Highway 18 is closed from Running Springs to Highway 38 (Big Bear Dam).
  • Highway 330 is closed from Highland Ave to Highway 18 in Running Springs.
  • Garnet Street closed at SR-38 in Mentone, California.
  • SR-38 eastbound is shut down at Bryant St. An additional closure will be set up at Angelus Oaks. Residents of Angelus Oaks will be evacuated up bound towards Big Bear.

What we know so far

The Line Fire broke out Thursday evening in the city of Highland at Baseline Road on the edge of open space and a residential neighborhood. The cause is under investigation.

Resources to prep and cope with wildfire

  • Listen to The Big Burn, our podcast that will get you motivated to get ready
  • Wildfires are getting worse. What you need to know
  • Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
  • Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
  • How to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
  • This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
  • What does 'containment' of a fire mean, exactly
  • What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
  • If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer

Editors Fiona Ng and Megan Garvey, and reporter Erin Stone contributed to this report.

Line Fire grows to more than 25,000 acres, stronger winds forecast for Tuesday (2024)

FAQs

What is the Line Fire in California? ›

The Line Fire is one of three major wildfires burning across multiple counties in Southern California over the past few days. The Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, which exploded in size this week, is currently the third-largest wildfire in the state so far this year.

How do powerful winds cause and or contribute to wildfires? ›

Once a fire is started, wind aids combustion by increasing the oxygen supply. It aids fire spread by carrying heat and burning embers to new fuels, and by bending the flames closer to the unburned fuels ahead of the fire.

Are fires spread quickly by the Santa Ana winds because the winds are so dry? ›

Dry Conditions: Santa Ana winds are typically very dry, as they originate from inland desert areas. When these winds blow over vegetation, they can quickly evaporate moisture from plants and soil, leading to extremely dry conditions conducive to fire ignition and spread.

What was the largest fire in CA this year? ›

The Park fire north of Chico — the largest blaze in California this year — exploded to more than 353,000 acres by Sunday morning, with its rapid spread destroying scores of buildings and forcing more evacuations.

What is the cause of the Line Fire? ›

Man arrested in Line Fire

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco, started the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland on Thursday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office alleged. He was booked Tuesday at the Central Detention Center on a charge of arson and held on $80,000 bail.

Who caused the San Bernardino fire? ›

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, is alleged to have set off three different fires last week, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said Thursday. One evolved into the Line Fire, which has continued to burn after eight days, while the two others have been contained.

How did the San Bernardino Line Fire start? ›

Authorities arrested Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a contract delivery driver from Norco, late Tuesday on suspicion of arson. San Bernardino Sheriff's official allege that Halstenberg intentionally started the fire near Base Line Street and Alpine Street in the city of Highland.

How many acres is the Line Fire? ›

The Line Fire burned more than 37,200 acres in the Highland area and threatened tens of thousands of buildings.

How windy is too windy for a fire? ›

2) Wind – Wind speed and direction should be carefully monitored before and during the burn. Wind should be steady from between 4 and 15 miles per hour. Gusty winds and/ or winds shifting greater than 45 degrees should be avoided.

What does a 20-foot wind mean? ›

A 20-foot wind is the sustained wind speed averaged over a 10-minute period at a height of 20 feet above the surface.

Will fire move faster going uphill or downhill? ›

Fires tend to spread in the same direction as the ambient wind – usually uphill. Therefore, wildfire spreads more quickly uphill. This is also because the rising smoke and heat dry out the fuel further up the slope. Conversely, fires spread slower downhill because it cannot preheat the downhill fuel as effectively.

Can high winds cause fires? ›

Take a look below at some of the most common ways people start wildfires: Powerlines — Strong winds and car crashes can knock down electrical lines and other related equipment. This usually causes a spark big enough to ignite a flame and spread quickly amid high winds.

Can dry weather cause wildfires? ›

Extreme weather events can interact or cascade—where one disaster event triggers or changes the probability of another event. For example, drought conditions can increase the probability of large-scale wildfires, and droughts are often accompanied by extreme heat.

What is the warm dry wind associated with devastating fires in Southern California? ›

The combination of wind, heat, and dryness accompanying the Santa Ana winds turns the chaparral into explosive fuel feeding the infamous wildfires for which the region is known. Although the winds often have a destructive nature, they have some benefits as well.

What started the fire in San Bernardino? ›

(KABC) -- Prosecutors said the arson suspect charged with igniting the massive Line Fire in San Bernardino County tried to set off two other blazes on the same day. Norco resident Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, is accused of deliberately igniting the Line Fire on Sept. 5 near Baseline Road in Highland.

What was the largest city fire in the US? ›

The Great Chicago Fire

A view of downtown Chicago in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, October 1871. The Great Chicago Fire lasted from October 8 to October 10, 1871. It left 300 people dead and over 90,000 homeless. A third of the city was destroyed.

How big was the rough fire? ›

Embed Video. The ‪Rough Fire‬‬‬ was over 151,000 acres and burned through giant sequoia groves that hadn't seen fire in decades.

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