Blue Cut Fire Updates and Maps: Raging Fire Charred 37,002 Acres; Evacuations Lifted in Some Areas, Roads Still Closed; How to Help
Blue Cut Fire has grown to 37,000 acres but shows signs of slowing down leading to evacuations being lifted in some areas and roads reopening.
The Blue Cut fire in Cajon Pass has charred 37,002 acres and has been reported to be 26 percent contained Friday morning. Fire officials said, along with battling the blaze head on, they are also focusing on communities located west of the fire. Small towns such as Lytle Creek as well as the scenic mountain resort area of Wrightwood are of the highest risk. These two towns are densely populated with residents found in small homes and apartments.
Evacuations, damage assessment and latest advisories
Mandatory evacuations were ordered for the entire community of Wrightwood, Lytle Creek Canyon and areas West of Cajon Valley. Smoke advisories were issued by the SCAQMD for areas in San Bernardino County.
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Evacuation centers remain at the Jessie Turner Community Center in Summit Avenue in Fontana and at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds at 7th Street in Victorville. Animal evacuation centers are located at the Apple Valley Animal Shelter (for small animals only) in Powhatan Road in Apple Valley and Devore Animal Shelter (for large and small animals) at Shelter Valley in San Bernardino.
A preliminary report was released by the Damage Assessment Team from the Blue Cut Fire Unified Command along with the figure estimations of 96 single family homes and 213 outbuildings charred by the fire.
Some progress seen Thursday afternoon
Officials lifted evacuation orders in some areas as they saw some signs of progress. SB County Sheriff announced 1 p.m. Friday that mandatory evacuations in Phelan have been lifted. This includes Phelan residents located west of Baldy Mesa Road. Residents living in Wilson Ranch Road which is located south of Phelan Road to Mission Street are also included as well.
Thursday afternoon. 15 Freeway was reopened but motorists are advised to drive with caution. 15 Freeway is an important route for trucks and commuters because it connects San Diego and Nevada through the Inland Empire and the Mojave Desert. With the evacuation orders lifted at Phelan, Baldy Mesa Road south of Phelan Road is also anticipated to open soon.
A reminder to those who will go back to their homes:
Roads still closed
Highway 138 remains closed from Interstate 15 to the Los Angeles County Line, State Route 2 from LA County Line to 138, Old Cajon Blvd north of Devore, Lytle Creek Road from Glen Helen Parkway, Lone Pine Canyon Road from East Canyon Drive through Highway 138 and Swarthout Canyon Road to Cajon Boulevard.
No rest for fire fighters
Fire fighters battle extreme temperatures and terrible conditions just to contain the fire. One of their main concerns is Lone Pine Canyon Road which is known as a backdoor to the community of Wrightwood. They are worried that the blaze might move over the ridge which could be a major possibility given the unpredictable winds, high temperatures and low humidity in the area.
How to help evacuees and victims of Blue Cut Fire
Disaster relief was started by the Inland Empire United Way. Those who wish to help victims may do so by donating at www.IEUW.org/help or they may text RELIEF to 40403.
