The Edgehill Brush Fire: San Bernardino Homes Damaged and Evacuated
On August 5, 2024, the Edgehill brush fire wreaked havoc in San Bernardino, destroying or damaging at least four homes on Little Mountain. The blaze sparked around 2:47 p.m. in the 3300 block of Beverly Drive, rapidly spreading through light brush on a slope. Here’s everything you need to know about this devastating fire.
What Happened?
The fire initially covered 5 acres, fueled by 109-degree temperatures and winds blowing at 8-10 mph. By the time firefighters arrived, they faced challenging conditions, including narrow roads and intense heat.
The blaze moved quickly east, catching residents off-guard. Robert Christian and his 12-year-old brother, Matthew Romero, were at their home at the base of Little Mountain when the fire started. They saw the flames advancing swiftly and had to evacuate urgently.
Evacuations and Damage
Evacuation Orders were issued immediately, affecting residents on:
- The south side of Ridge Line Drive
- The north side and north of Edgehill Road, extending west to Beverly Drive
- East to Circle Road
The order required residents to leave immediately. An evacuation centre was established at Cajon High School, 1200 Hill Drive.
By late afternoon, the fire had damaged four homes, with two completely destroyed. The flames were most active on the southwest edge of the blaze. On Vista Drive, firefighters managed to save homes that were inches away from being engulfed.
Firefighting Efforts
Firefighters had to contend with:
- Narrow roads making access difficult
- High temperatures complicating their efforts
- Tall trees that could spread sparks
Despite these challenges, by 5:40 p.m., they had stopped the fire’s progress. The fire was measured at 54 acres, and authorities confirmed that it was “very much under control.”
Investigation and Future Weather
A person of interest was detained but later released. Investigators were on the scene assessing how the fire started. As of now, the cause remains unknown.
The weather forecast indicates that while there is a chance of storms, any rainfall is unlikely to affect the area. Meteorologist Sam Zuber advised that it would be hot, with a heat advisory in effect.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The Edgehill brush fire has caused significant damage and disruption in San Bernardino. Here are the key points:
- Four homes damaged or destroyed
- Evacuation orders in effect for specific areas
- Firefighters faced intense heat and access issues
- Investigation ongoing to determine the cause
As the situation evolves, residents are advised to stay informed about evacuation orders and fire updates.
Additional Resources
For further updates and information on fire safety, check the following links:
