Breaking News : san Bernardino fire
San Bernardino – The Edgehill fire, a rapidly spreading blaze in the Little Mountain neighborhood of San Bernardino, has damaged or destroyed at least four homes as of Monday afternoon, August 5, 2024. The San Bernardino County Fire Department has issued an evacuation order for residents in the affected areas.
The fire was reported around 2:47 p.m. in the 3300 block of Beverly Drive. The initial report indicated a five-acre fire with a rapid rate of spread through light brush on a slope. KCAL/9 reported that at least three homes were ablaze early on. The flames, driven east by 8-10 mph winds, presented a significant challenge to firefighters battling the blaze in 109-degree temperatures.
Eric Sherwin, spokesperson for the fire department, highlighted the difficulties faced by the crews: “Here on Little Mountain, it’s much like a mountain community with narrow roads that can present access issues for our engine companies. They know when fire starts they need to get out.”
Residents quickly responded to the evacuation orders. Robert Christian, 26, was at home when his 12-year-old brother, Matthew Romero, alerted him to the fire. Their home, situated at the base of Little Mountain, was threatened by the swiftly moving flames. Christian described the scene: “It just flew east. It just started going crazy.”
Leanna Romero, 16, recounted hearing a commotion near one of the first homes believed to have burned: “I heard them scream, ‘Go, go, go.’”
The fire’s rapid spread was exacerbated by the presence of tall palm, oak, and pine trees. Christian noted the danger: “I knew that once those trees went off, sparks were going to go everywhere.” He estimated that the blaze traveled at least a mile within the first hour.
By late Monday afternoon, the fire was most active on the southwest edge. Fire Chief Martin Serna reported that four homes had been damaged, with two completely destroyed. The forward progress of the fire was stopped by 5:40 p.m., with the fire measured at 54 acres.
Forty engines, three helicopters, and two bulldozers were deployed to combat the fire. Marshall Elementary School at 3288 N G St. was opened for evacuees.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Sam Zuber provided an outlook for the region: “Unfortunately, tomorrow is going to be hot, and a heat advisory is in effect. While there’s a slight chance for some sprinkles, it’s unlikely any rainfall will drop below the San Bernardino Mountains.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.