The Line Fire, which has burned over 43,000 acres, surged unexpectedly on Sunday as it ran up the Santa Ana River drainage. While firefighters had anticipated some movement along the open line, the fire behavior exceeded expectations, driven by several days of above-normal temperatures that dried out vegetation and moisture in the air. The steep slopes, dry fuels, and wind combined to create dangerous conditions for rapid fire spread.
The fire is currently 76% contained, with 1,701 personnel assigned to combat the flames. Additional crews and equipment have been dispatched to aid in the response, and four night-flying helicopters are working around the clock, dropping water in critical areas. The San Bernardino National Forest has entered unified command with San Bernardino County Fire, CALFIRE San Bernardino, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate efforts and ensure the safety of affected communities.
An emergency closure order remains in effect for areas impacted by the Line Fire. For updates on the closure, visit the San Bernardino National Forest website. For more detailed information on the fire, you can visit InciWeb.
