Rapidly-spreading fire in South California

6,500-acre fire spreading rapidly in Southern CA, evacuations underway

© CAL_FIRE / Twitter

RT,
17 August, 2016


A massive blaze is forcing mass evacuations after shutting down Southern California’s Interstate-15, the main route to Las Vegas. The enormous inferno, now covering 6,500 acres, spread across its first 1,000 acres within an hour of its initial spark.

The fire was reported in Devore, California, in the late morning hours of Tuesday, and within an hour, it spread from five acres to over 6,500, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group

The uncontained fire broke out near the Cajon Pass, where there have been red flag warnings from the San Bernardino Fire Department, in recognition of gusty winds and low humidity, prime conditions for wildfires.

SB County Sheriff Verified account ‏@sbcountysheriff

#BlueCutFire - 6,500 acres w zero containment if you are under mandatory evac pls adhere to the evac orders as the fire is spreading quickly

Evacuations were ordered by the US Forest Service around West Cajon Valley, between Highway 2 and the I-15, KABC reported. At least one structure was seen burning, but no injuries have been reported.
The cause remains unknown.

Officials closed Highway 138 from Highway 2 to Summit Valley Road, and I-15 was shut down from Oak Hills to Devore, KABC reported, citing Caltrans.

Winds are blowing at 10 miles per hour, and with power lines nearby, Southern California Gas Company and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officials are on scene.

ABC7 Eyewitness News Verified account ‏@ABC7

#BluecutFire burning dangerously close to power lines http://abc7.la/2aZfWzr  At least 1 structure seen on fire

Two San Bernardino fire crews needed to abandon their engines, according to KCBS. A cargo train nearby was also reported to be evacuated and left stopped on the tracks.

More breathtaking, up close and personal images were shared across Twitter.