The Bridge and Line fires, which have threatened homes in San Bernardino County, continued to spread slowly but steadily Thursday as firefighters worked to build and reinforce containment lines between neighborhoods to contain the advancing flames.
The Bridge Fire, which started Sunday and ripped through the Angeles National Forest, destroying at least 39 homes and cabins in the Wrightwood and Mount Baldy areas, was measured at 51,167 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire remained 0% contained.
The Line Fire, which has been burning since Sept. 5 when it started on the north side of Highland, had reached 37,207 acres by Thursday morning, officials said.
Firefighters said they had managed to contain about 18 percent of the wildfire, primarily along the southern edge of the fire between Highland and the Seven Oaks Dam.
Wednesday 9:00 p.m.: Mountain High announces plans to open for the upcoming winter season
Despite minimal damage from the fire on the bridge that broke out on Sunday, Sept. 8, Mountain High officials announced Wednesday night that they expect to open the bridge in time for the upcoming 2024-2025 winter season.
“It’s going to be a long road,” said John McColly, vice president of marketing for Mountain High and CaliPass Resorts, “but our team is ready to get back to business as soon as possible, once it’s safe to do so, and we’re committed to rebuilding and moving forward.”
An official opening date is weather dependent and has not yet been set. Mountain High hopes to open sometime after Nov. 1 for the 2024-25 winter season, provided current conditions from the Bridge Fire do not change drastically.
Wednesday 10:05 am: Online fundraising to help fire victims
Online fundraisers are popping up on the GoFundMe.com platform to help people and families who have been left homeless or lost their homes altogether due to the Bridge and Line fires.
Running springshttps://www.gofundme.com/f/support-renae-and-shawns-displacement-recoveryhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-support-for-housing-and-pets
Mountain Baldyhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-martin-family-after-the-bridge-firehttps://www.gofundme.com/f/xug59w-help-the-martin-family-rebuild- after-firehttps://www.gofundme.com/f/support-david-and-kiersten-after-fire-loss
Wrightwoodhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/support-cloeys-family-after-bridge-fire
Thursday 10:00 am: No new evacuation orders for fires on the bridge and the line
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials posted on social media that there are no new evacuation orders or warnings. However, all previous orders and warnings remain in effect.
“To everyone impacted by the Line Fire and Bridge Fire, we understand how challenging this time is. Our teams are working tirelessly to protect your community,” sheriff’s officials said. “Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.”
At this time, there are NO NEW EVACUATION ORDERS or WARNINGS for San Bernardino County. ALL PRIOR ORDERS AND WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT.
For the most recent updates on previous warnings and evacuation orders, please refer to our social media account.
Stay inside… photo.twitter.com/HQ6KUm72Vd
— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) September 12, 2024
Thursday 09:45: Line fire containment increases to 18%
According to firefighters, Line Fire activity was “less intense” due to the cooler weather.
Cooler weather and smoke shadow are expected to moderate fire growth on Thursday. Damage survey crews are working the area to identify damaged or destroyed structures.
Thursday 9:45 a.m.: Bridge fire grows to 51,000 acres, 0% contained
The highest priority for firefighters remained protecting and defending structures in the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills and Mount Baldy. Numerous structures in the Wrightwood area were impacted by the fire, with damage to electrical infrastructure, firefighters reported. Confirmed numbers will be released once it is safe for damage assessment teams to evaluate.
Mountain High West and East Ski Resort were also hit by the fire, officials said Thursday.
On the south side, the fire spread from Glendora Ridge Road to Sunset Peak, which was clearly visible at night from inland towns.
“Despite the extreme fire behavior, lack of resources, and challenges firefighters faced, they successfully defended homes and no communications towers were downed,” Cal Fire said. “Firefighters held the lines they had west of Mount Baldy Road and continued to prioritize securing emergency lines to the south.”
This article originally appeared on the Visalia Times-Delta: Bridge, Line fire updates: Wildfire growth slows, containment grows
