Incident Update Line Fire

Situation Summary

INITIAL SITUATION: Forest Service Firefighters along with firefighters from other agencies including the City of Highland and San Bernardino County responded to a reported wildland fire on Baseline Road at about 6:00 PM on September 5, 2024.  Arriving engines reported several acres on fire, and immediately requested more resources, including multiple additional fixed wing and helicopters.  

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The Line Fire burned actively in the Bear Creek drainage and produced a lot of smoke over the day. The containment line on the ridge was strengthened with multiple aircraft dropping retardant and water. Several VLATS and at least 10 helicopters were working in this area. Since the flight path crossed Highway 18 to the east of Snow Valley, the highway was temporarily closed for the aircraft to work on the fire for about an hour.

There is more fuel in the Bear Creek drainage that will burn creating smoky conditions in Big Bear Valley over the next few days. Temperatures are expected to be in the highs ranging from the mid 70’s to the upper 80’s in the higher elevations and warmer, mid 80’s to low 90’s in the lower elevations.

Relative humidity will vary from 12- 50% across the fire with winds gusting around 15 MPH in the afternoon. Highway 330 is closed. Over 4 miles of guardrails were damaged in addition to structural damage to the roadbed. CalTrans is focused on repairing this damage. 

Damage Inspections Teams (DINS) have completed their inspections. In all, four structures were damaged, and one was destroyed. 

There have been multiple drone incursions over the Line Fire area. Please be respectful of those fighting the fire and the community members who are impacted by fire. Never fly drones near wildfire. If you fly, we can't.

The information line for media is (909) 881-6949. Additional fire information can be found at: Line Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov).

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Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency in San Bernardino County, secures federal assistance to support response to Line Fire.

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• Line Fire YouTube Playlist External Link
• Line Fire Photos and Videos
• 3D Map
• Line Fire Daily Map Products

Evacuation Information:

Evacuation Orders

Evacuation Orders have been issued for the following zone:

• Seven Oaks (ANG02)

Evacuation Warnings

Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following zones:

• Angelus Oaks (ANG01)
• Boulder Bay area of Big Bear, from the dam east to Wildrose Lane (BBC08)

Road Closures

Plan ahead on State Highways - Visit Division of Traffic Operations - Road Information - California Highway Information.

• SR-330 closed both directions from Highland Ave to Live Oak. Fire crews still active in the area. Caltrans crews started assessing damages.  There is no ETA for reopening State Route 330 at this time.

Forest Closure Order: San Bernardino National Forest has issued Forest Order NO. 05-12-00-24-10, creating a Forest Closure Area around the Line Fire. All National Forest lands, trails, and roads are closed to the public within that zone.Please know what these orders are reviewed frequently, will grow or shrink as needed based on the size and risks associated with the fire.  

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Engines

52

Water Tenders

12

Helicopters

6

Dozers

23

Hand Crews

19

Other

36

Total Personnel

1052

Cooperating Agencies