Line Fire explodes to 17,000 acres overnight; state of emergency declared

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. – The Line Fire exploded overnight, growing to 17,459 acres and threatening thousands of structures in San Bernardino County. The vegetation fire that started Thursday evening at 6:30 pm in Highland is zero percent contained.

Erratic winds from thunderstorm outflows and critically dry vegetation are fueling the fire's rapid expansion, according to fire officials. Firefighters face challenging conditions, including temperatures reaching 100 degrees and an ongoing Excessive Heat Warning.

"Smoke remains a challenge for aircraft, limiting access to parts of the fire," officials reported. "Limited resources and logistical support have hampered fire control efforts."

On Saturday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in San Bernardino County to secure federal assistance to support the response to Line Fire. The fire is currently threatening 35,405 structures, including homes, businesses, and other minor structures.

The proclamation also supports residents who are impacted by the fire by easing access to unemployment benefits and waiving fees to replace driver’s licenses and records such as marriage and birth certificates.

Evacuation orders and warnings

San Bernardino County Sheriff has issued evacuation orders for several areas, including parts of Running Springs, Arrow Bear Lake, and neighborhoods north of Highland Avenue.

Evacuation orders include:

• 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 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

An Evacuation Order means there is an immediate threat to life, and residents must leave.

Evacuation warnings have also expanded to more mountain communities, including Lake Arrowhead and Crestline.

Evacuation warnings include:

• Neighborhoods east of Church Street, north of Highland Avenue
• Neighborhoods east of Weaver, north of Greenspot to the Iron Bridge
• Green Valley Lake
• Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment

An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property.  Those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets or livestock should leave now.

Real-time evacuation updates can be found on the San Bernardino County evacuation map.

Two evacuation shelters have been established: one at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville (14800 7th Street) and another at Immanuel Baptist Church in Highland (28355 Base Line Street).

An animal evacuation shelter is available at the Devore Animal Shelter in San Bernardino (19777 Shelter Way).

Road Closures

Major road closures include portions of Highway 18 and Highway 330, impacting travel in and out of affected areas.

• Highway 18 is closed, going northbound (inbound) from Kuffle 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.

With 628 personnel currently assigned to the fire, officials warn that "hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days."

Fire resources

On Saturday night, Newsom confirmed that fire crews from across the state were dispatched to battle the fire.

“California is deploying firefighting resources to the #LineFire in San Bernardino County,” Newsom posted on X. “CAL FIRE is working with the U.S. Forest Service & local fire departments to protect area communities. Heed local evacuation orders.”

More than 600 personnel are working to control the fire, according to Cal Fire. Three firefighters have reportedly been injured.

Air Quality Impact

Air quality in the surrounding area is being impacted by heavy smoke and haze.

Those living in an area impacted by smoke should:

• Limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter
• Avoid vigorous physical activity
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air
• Avoid burning wood in your fireplace or firepit and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling
• If you must be outside, a properly fit N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection

Air quality can be monitored at Air Quality Now.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Inland Empire remains under an excessive heat warning until Monday night, with highs expected around 105.