SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – A fast-moving 200-acre fire is threatening neighborhoods in north San Bernardino leading to mandatory evacuations for 1,300 residents in the area on Thursday.
Fire officials say that evacuations will be lifted at 6 p.m. Thursday, for residents only.
The fire, which has been named the Hillside Fire, ignited around 3:31 a.m. Out of the 140 homes assessed, the fire has destroyed six homes and damaged 18 others.
As of Friday, the fire is 70 percent contained.
One firefighter has been transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation.
FULL COVERAGE | Southern California Wildfire Watch
Mandatory Evacuations:
- North of 50th Street
- East of Mayfield Avenue
- West of Highway 18
Evacuation Center:
- Pacific High School, 1020 Pacific St., San Bernardino, CA
Small and Large Animal Evacuation Center:
- San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA
Road Closures:
- Highway 18 between 40th Street and Highway 138 - OPEN
- State Route 18 from Waterman to State Route 138
A water-dropping helicopter will work on a flying air attack of the fire. An estimated 350 first responders are battling the blaze and defending homes.
Winds gusts are up to 70 mph hindering crews trying to battle the fire. Most of Southern California is under a Red Flag Warning until 11 p.m. Thursday night.
“The weather is going to be a challenge to us today,” said San Bernardino County Fire Deputy Chief Scott Howes in a Thursday morning press conference.
Residents who need information about the Hillside Fire can call the San Bernardino Incident Information Center at 909-383-5688.