Line Fire

Photo Credit: ALERTCalifornia | UC San Diego

Published Sunday, September 8, 2024, 1500 hours PT

INCIDENT SUMMARY

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA — A wildfire named the LINE FIRE is burning in San Bernardino County, California. The fire behavior is so extreme, that it is creating its own fire weather, as a massive, mushroom-shaped pyrocumulus cloud can be seen forming above the horizon. The National Weather Service reported that there have been 3,700 lightning strikes with 280 of them striking the ground.

The fire was reported at 1800 hours on September 5, 2024, in the area of Baseline Street and Aplin Street. from an unknown cause which is under investigation.

This incident is approximately 58 miles east of Los Angeles.

CURRENT STATUS

Size Up | “According to CAL FIRE Officials, “”Thunderstorm outflow winds are causing very erratic behavior on the Line Fire, and vegetation is critically dry.

Today there will be a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms over the fire area.  Temperatures will range from the upper 80s to around 100 degrees and an Excessive Heat Warning continues throughout the day. The fire will start out under smoky skies today which will help moderate fire behavior, but as smoke clears through the afternoon, fire activity will once again pick up. Smoke remains a challenge for aircraft, limiting access to parts of the fire.

Limited resources and logistical support have hampered fire control efforts. Afternoon thunderstorms could cause new ignitions and potentially influence activity around the fire perimeter. Hot and dry conditions mixed with thunderstorms are expected to challenge firefighters for the next few days. – CAL FIRE Officials

Size Up | 7,122 acres. 0% containment status. Expected to be fully contained by October 5, 2024.  

Threats | 35,405 structures threatened.

Injuries | Three have been confirmed to fire personnel and civilians.

State of Emergency | Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency in San Bernardino County, secures federal assistance to support response to Line Fire

EVACUATIONS

Updates | CAL FIRE – https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire

Evacuation Orders & Warnings | CAL FIRE updates: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire

Evacuee Resources | The Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) sends Important Messages and Emergency Alert Notifications from San Bernardino County Emergency Management. Visit  http://readysb.com  to sign up for this alert system on impending dangers.

Evacuation Shelters | San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Building 6, 14800 – 7th Street, Victorville, CA. Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center, 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA.

Animal Shelter | Devore Animal Shelter – 19777 Shelter Way, Devore, CA. 909-386-9820 (Business Hours) or 800-472-9820 (after hours).

RESOURCES

Unified Command | San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit, and the City of Highland Fire Department.

CAL FIRE | 628 personnel, 4 copters, 65 engines, 3 dozers, 1 water tender, 13 crews, and 3 other assigned types of resources.

Orange County Fire Authority

US Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest

City of Highland Fire Department

San Bernardino County Fire Department

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office

Immanuel Baptist Church | Evacuation shelter on September 7, 2024.

Devore Animal Shelter

San Bernardino Police Department

Los Angeles Fire Department

Congressman Jay Obernolte

Big Bear Fire Department

US National Weather Service – San Diego California

NWS IMET Operations

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“Fire creating clouds extending over north bench Yucaipa, California.” – California resident (9/8/2024 1037 PT)

“Fire is showing intense activity again today early in the morning but not quite as early and intense as yesterday. However, within the short span of 30 minutes, massive pyrocumulonimbus clouds suddenly shot up. There is already lightning from its plume.” – Fire News/Chaser (9/8/2024 1045 PT)

“Flames coming over the ridge from Hwy 38.” – Fire Chaser/Photographer (9/8/2024 1252 PT)

(L) Photo Credit: ALERTCalifornia | UC San Diego

“Starting to bring in resources for prep on houses and fish hatchery.” – Fire Chaser/Photographer (9/8/2024 1253 PT)

“Raining in Oak Glen just east of Line Fire in Highland. CA. Let’s hope this goes over to the West!” – Medical Professor (9/8/2024 1402 PT)

SOURCES

CAL FIRE, USFS, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino PD, Inciweb, LAFD, and Social Media platforms.

COST-TO-DATE

The total cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment costs have reached 1.5 Million Dollars.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog