Evacuations Ordered As Ranch Fire Swells To 2,000 Acres In IE

APPLE VALLEY, CA — A brush fire burning Tuesday in San Bernardino County had swelled to 2,000 acres by evening, and evacuation orders remained in place.

The Ranch Fire was reported at 1:45 p.m. at Bowen Ranch Road and Coxey Truck Trail, south of Apple Valley, and was burning at a fast rate due to strong wind conditions, according to Cal Fire. (See a photo gallery above from Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department.)

Structures were threatened, and evacuation orders were issued from Milpas Drive to High Road, south of Highway 18, according to Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department. Follow the agency on social media for evacuation updates.

RELATED: Apple Valley Fire Map: See Ranch Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

Photos posted to social media by Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department show damage to vehicles and property.

Sitting Bull Academy at 19445 Sitting Bull Road in Apple Valley is operating as an evacuation shelter.

An animal evacuation shelter was established at Victorville Fairgrounds, 14800 7th Street, Victorville.

As of 6:43 p.m., the Ranch Fire had consumed 2,000 acres with zero containment and no injuries, Cal Fire reported.

"The Ranch Fire is currently wind-driven and threatening multiple structures in the Apple Valley area," according to the 6:43 p.m. Cal Fire report. "Fire behavior has intensified due to shifting weather conditions, including increasing winds and low humidity, contributing to rapid fire spread."

The state agency said a reverse 9-1-1 alert was issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department to notify residents in impacted evacuation areas.

"Please stay alert for further evacuation updates and follow all official guidance," the agency said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

In Riverside County, a large brush fire broke out Tuesday east of Temecula. Read the latest about the Cahuilla Fire here.