Wildfire — San Bernardino County Mountains, California

2016-08-16 to 2016-08-22 · San Bernardino County Mountains, California

Wider weather episode

The Blue Cut fire began on August 16 around 0938 PST along Interstate 15 between Blue Cut & Kenwood, Swarthout Canyon/Devore, San Bernardino County. The fire spread rapidly to the north, with much of the total acreage burned within the first couple of days. A mandatory evacuation order was issued for over 84,000 people and 35,000 homes. Numerous road closures, including I-15 in both directions for two days, with traffic building up in both directions waiting for the interstate to reopen. The Union Pacific Railroad reported burnt trusses with railroad service stopped in both directions and won't resume until trusses are rebuilt. Numerous homes and structures destroyed (approximately 105 homes and 313 minor structures). Two firefighters sustained minor injures. Two fire engines burned over as well. The fire burned 36,274 acres before being fully contained on August 22 around 0830 PST.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 656752. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.