San Bernardino Fire Scorches 500 Acres; Evacuations Lifted

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Hundreds of firefighters responded Thursday to a large wildfire burning near the the San Bernardino National Forest. The Hillside Fire was first reported at 1:38 a.m. off Highway 18 near north San Bernardino and prompted hundreds of evacuations for most of the day.

San Bernardino County fire crews will spend the night at the scene of the fire, which remained at 50 percent containment at 6:42 p.m.

By sunrise, the blaze had burned an estimated 200 acres before crews managed to slow its spread. 500 firefighters had to control the flames among Santa Ana winds, which were 20-30 mph sustained with 60 mph gusts, according to U.S. Forest Service officials.

There wasn't an immediate count as to how many structures have burned, but reports and images from the scene show at least six homes or structures have been destroyed.

Crews from the Forest Service, along with San Bernardino County Fire are being assisted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and San Bernardino Police Department.

Though the cause of the fire is under investigation, the San Bernardino County Fire Department reported Thursday that "investigators have determined the area of origin" and it is not near any power lines.

Evacuations:

As a result of the Hillside Fire, authorities called for the evacuations of approximately 490 homes in the area, affecting more than 1,300 people, according to the U.S.F.S. The area under the mandatory order encompassed residences north of 50th Street, east of Mayfield Ave., west of Highway 18 and south of open space areas.

However, as of 6 p.m., the Forest Service reported that residents could return home. Those returning should expect to be without power for an unknown duration, the USFS said.

Nearby Cal State University San Bernardino is not affected by the evacuations, but the campus was closed Thursday as a result of both the ongoing power outage nearby.

Road Closures:

Highway 18, between 40th Street in San Bernardino and Highway 138, was closed due to the fire.

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