The Line Fire in Southern California’s San Bernardino County has now placed more than 36,000 structures at risk, according to emergency officials. Since it began on September 5, the wildfire has consumed over 20,553 acres east of Los Angeles, with three firefighters injured while attempting to contain the blaze. As of Sunday night, the fire remained at 0% containment, per the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
Although no buildings have been damaged or destroyed, Cal Fire’s latest update revealed that 36,328 structures are currently under threat. Fire behavior intensified as temperatures rose throughout the day. Night flight aircraft are being utilized in an attempt to prevent further spread. Cooler weather in the coming days may moderate fire activity below the marine layer, but areas above it remain vulnerable to intense fire behavior and potential spot fires outside control lines.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County on Saturday. Mandatory evacuations were expanded over the weekend, with residents in high-risk areas urged to remain alert. President Joe Biden approved FEMA assistance on Saturday, with Newsom thanking him for the rapid response to support firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, the Bridge Fire in Los Angeles County has burned approximately 800 acres in the Angeles National Forest north of Azusa. The fire is also at 0% containment, prompting evacuation orders for a mobile home park, campgrounds, and a small river community. Night-flying helicopters have been deployed to combat the flames.
Elsewhere in Lake County, the Boyles Fire has burned around 90 acres and is 10% contained, with about 30 structures and 40 to 50 vehicles destroyed. Crews are making progress, though forward movement of the fire has not yet been fully halted.
In Nevada’s Washoe County, the Davis Fire has scorched 6,500 acres and remains at 0% containment. The U.S. Forest Service reported that gusty winds are forecast for the week, further complicating firefighting efforts. At least 14 structures have been impacted, and a power outage is affecting parts of south Reno, with 12,000 to 14,000 people under evacuation notice.