A fast-growing wildfire in Hesperia prompted evacuations Saturday evening.
According to CAL FIRE San Bernardino, the Hesperia fire was first reported in the 18000 block of North Highway 173 around 6 p.m.
By 8 p.m. it grew to more than 300 acres. At 9pm it was over 500 hectares and by 10.30pm it was over 700 hectares.
An evacuation warning is in effect for the Lake Arrowhead Estates community near Highway 173 and Arrowhead Lake Road. Road closures in the area have also been issued by California Highway Patrol.
Firefighters and flight crews arrived on the scene to fight the fire. As of 10 p.m., the fire was contained at zero percent.
The cause of the vegetation fire is still under investigation. Officials said the expansion is wind-driven and continues to burn northward.
“Ground and air crews continue to work on permit control, containment lines and structure protection,” the San Bernardino County Fire Department said.
Saturday evening, the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District issued a poor air quality warning due to smoke from the fire.
This advisory applies to San Bernardino County and remains in effect through Sunday, June 16.
“This advisory may be further expanded or modified in accordance with smoke and fire behavior, fire suppression efforts, NWS and air quality forecasts,” officials said.
Residents living in the area were urged to take precautions. Those most susceptible to problems due to unhealthy air include children, the elderly, and people with heart and respiratory conditions.
In areas where smoke or bad air is present, residents should:
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Consider avoiding any vigorous exercise indoors or outdoors
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Keep windows and doors closed
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Turn on your air conditioner if you have one – the recirculation function is ideal
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Avoid using a swamp cooler or whole house fan to prevent outside pollutants from being brought in.
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People with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults and children should stay indoors
More information from CAL FIRE can be found here.
Saturday evening, firefighters continued to battle the mail fire that started near Highway 5 in Gorman. That fire has grown to more than 4,400 hectares.
This development story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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