Damage assessments are currently underway in a hillside community in Southern California following a sudden wildfire that forced residents to evacuate their homes. The incident occurred in San Bernardino, located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Despite the intensity of the flames on Monday afternoon, reports indicate that only a few homes were damaged or destroyed. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among residents, with only one firefighter treated for a minor injury.
The fire, which started at 2:40 p.m. on Monday, was contained after three hours, having burned through 54 acres of land. As of now, containment stands at 75%, with evacuation orders still in place for homes on three streets. Investigators are actively working to determine the cause of the fire, which erupted under extremely dry and hot conditions prevalent in California this summer.
Meanwhile, in Northern California, firefighters are battling the rekindled Park Fire, a massive blaze that reignited on Monday after a period of dormancy. The fire rapidly expanded by as much as 20 square miles within 12 hours, making it California's largest wildfire this year and the fourth-largest on record in the state. The Park Fire has already consumed nearly 647 square miles, destroying 640 structures and damaging 52.
Firefighters have been advised to prioritize safety and remain vigilant due to the extreme fire behavior exhibited by the Park Fire, characterized by intense and fast-moving flames. The fire was allegedly started by arson on July 24 near the city of Chico in the Sacramento Valley. The situation remains critical as firefighters continue their efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze.
