Line Fire Swells To Nearly 1,200 Acres In IE, Air Quality Compromised

HIGHLAND, CA — A brush fire that erupted in Highland in San Bernardino County has burned 1,180 acres and prompted evacuation warnings Friday. A smoke advisory that extends across a large swath of the Inland Empire — reaching as far as Southwest Riverside County — was also issued.

As of Friday afternoon, there was zero containment on the Line Fire, which was first reported at 6 p.m. Thursday near Baseline and Alpine streets.

Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department issued an evacuation warning Friday from Church Street, east to the eastern city limits, and south of the foothills to Greenspot Road.

San Bernardino National Forest officials tweeted at about 9 a.m. Friday that an evacuation warning was in place for the East Highland area, including the neighborhoods east of Church Street and north of Highland Avenue. Also, the neighborhood east of Weaver Street, north of Greenspot Road to the Iron Bridge, is under a warning.

Baseline Street is closed east of Weaver Street, according to forest officials.

"Stay alert, be prepared, and follow local authorities for updates," Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department said. "If you’re in the area, get ready to evacuate if necessary."

Forest officials said the blaze spread into the San Bernardino National Forest.

As of Friday afternoon, no structures were lost in the fire and there were no reports of injuries.

More than 250 firefighters are battling the blaze.

Friday morning the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory for the region due to the Line Fire.

The advisory is in effect through at least 5 p.m. Saturday.

The advisory means the air contains smoke particulates that can reach unhealthy levels in some areas.

The heat wave currently underway is complicating conditions for firefighters and all Southern California residents. The temperature in Highland at 2:30 p.m. Friday was 115 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

The torrid heat also prompted the South Coast Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality alert across the western parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties due to high ozone levels. Ozone — smog pollution — can become trapped closer to the ground during periods of excessive heat. The high levels can pose a risk for people with certain health conditions.