The Line Fire in San Bernardino County, which has been burning for nearly a month, has flared up once more, triggering fresh evacuation orders for nearby communities. The wildfire, which started on September 5, 2024, has now scorched more than 44,400 acres and is only 80% contained as of Monday. Fire crews are battling against increasingly difficult conditions, including high winds and extremely dry vegetation, which have made containment efforts even more challenging.
Flare-ups Force Evacuations in Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks
On Monday, an evacuation order was reissued for the community of Angelus Oaks, which had previously been downgraded to an evacuation warning zone. The fire’s rapid spread over the weekend caught many residents by surprise, leading officials to take immediate action. On Sunday, a separate evacuation order was issued for Seven Oaks, where the fire threatened dozens of homes.
Residents like Monica Aguilar, who owns the Oaks Restaurant in Angelus Oaks, expressed concerns about the unpredictable nature of the fire. “It was scary because it’s so close, and they don’t always give you all the information,” Aguilar told KABC News. Her community had previously seen evacuation orders lifted, but the latest flare-ups have reignited fears.
Despite the evacuation orders, some locals have chosen to remain in their homes, especially retirees who are deeply attached to their properties. While law enforcement and fire officials stress the importance of leaving immediately, many are reluctant to do so.
Fire Conditions and Containment Challenges
The latest fire activity is concentrated in the Santa Ana River drainage and Bear Creek areas, where the combination of steep terrain, dry vegetation, and unpredictable winds has fueled the Line Fire’s resurgence. Cal Fire reports that active flames are still visible in these areas, creating thick smoke, which is expected to linger in Big Bear Valley for the next several days.
As LA Times reported, firefighters have been working around the clock to contain the fire, using both ground crews and aerial support. Four night-flying helicopters have been assigned to the incident, conducting water drops to suppress the flames. However, the fire’s spread to the north and east remains a major concern, as these areas still lack containment lines.
Erratic winds have been a significant challenge for fire crews, with the strongest overnight fire growth occurring in these wind-affected zones. “We’re seeing unpredictable conditions with this fire,” Cal Fire stated, emphasizing that while some progress has been made, the situation remains volatile.
Road Closures and Public Safety
Several major roads remain closed in the region as crews work to manage the fire. Highway 330 is currently shut down in both directions between Highland Avenue and Live Oak. Additionally, State Route 38 is closed from Big Bear to Angelus Oaks, making access difficult for residents and evacuees. According to Cal Fire, there is no estimated time for the reopening of these routes.
Fortunately, Highway 18 remains open for residents evacuating from the Big Bear area, providing a vital escape route via Running Springs and Lucerne Valley.
In an effort to support affected residents, the Red Cross has opened evacuation shelters at the Apple Valley Conference Center and Redlands East Valley High School, offering temporary refuge for evacuees from the fire-ravaged areas.
Arson Suspect Charged
Investigations have confirmed that the cause of the Line Fire was arson. Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a 34-year-old resident of Norco, has been charged with 11 arson-related crimes, including deliberately starting the fire near Baseline Road in Highland. Halstenberg’s alleged actions have not only destroyed homes and property but have also endangered countless lives.
Ongoing Fire Response
Fire crews continue to focus their efforts on the most active parts of the fire, particularly in the Santa Ana River drainage. Additional resources, including personnel and equipment, are being deployed to these high-priority areas. The unified command structure, which includes Cal Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, has been crucial in coordinating efforts across agencies.
According to Cal Fire, the key challenges for containment remain the difficult terrain and the dry, windy conditions that have persisted throughout the month. Despite the hard work of firefighters, officials are warning that the fire could continue to pose a threat in the days to come.
As communities remain under evacuation orders, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared, following all instructions from local authorities.
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