San Bernardino County Fire responded to the area of Highway 18 at Lower Waterman Canyon at about 1:38 a.m. as strong winds carried the flames amid extreme red flag conditions.
Evacuation orders were issued as the fire threatened the North Park neighborhood. Mandatory evacuations were declared in areas for all homes north of 50th Street, west of Highway 18, and east of Mayfield Avenue. Highway 18 was also shut down.
An evacuation center was set up at Pacific High School at 1020 Pacific Street.
The blaze, called the Hillside Fire, was burning at a rapid rate of spread and quickly expanded to 200 acres by about 2:30 a.m., officials said.
It was not immediately known how many structures were threatened or destroyed, but multiple homes were seen damaged. Homes in the North Park community were seen surrounded by intense flames.
Structure defense was being put in place as strike teams were requested.
It was not immediately known what caused the fire.
RELATED
How to help Los Angeles firefighters responding to devastating fires in Southern California
Safety tips to remember when returning home after wildfire
What you need to know about Santa Ana winds and California wildfires
How to prepare for a wildfire evacuation
Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Download the ABC7 app for news alerts
Click here for iOS devices | Click here for Android devices.
Comments