South Fire Burning In Lytle Creek Update

LYTLE CREEK, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> Firefighters are starting to gain some ground on the South Fire burning in Lytle Creek.

With updated accurate mapping the fire is now at 819 acres on Friday at 9pm, but more importantly, is 10% contained, according to an unified command center with US National Forest Service and Cal Fire. More than 600 firefighters are continue to battle the flames, control its perimeter and mop up the scene.

However, the forecast could extend the firefight. With dry hot conditions and low humidity are forecast this weekend and gusty south winds could whip up flames in the afternoon. The temperatures are expected to be in the 100’s, along with the low humidity.

The fire erupted August 25 Wednesday about 1:30pm in the 4489 Lytle Creek Road in Fontana, near the 15 Freeway, and quickly made its way into the San Bernardino Forest. Reported 4 homes and 14 structures have been destroyed.

Evacuation orders remain in place for at least 1,000 residents who live in structures along Lytle Creek Road, from Duncan Canyon Road to where it ends at Stockton Flats Road. An evacuation warning has been issued for residents who live on the northside of Glen Helen Parkway between Lytle Creek Road and the 15 Freeway. An evacuation shelter was set up at the Jessie Turner Center, 15556 Summit Ave., in Fontana.

Several roads into the area remain closed, including Sierra Avenue north of the 15 Freeway, Lytle Creek Road to Duncan Canyon, Lytle Creek Road to Sierra Avenue, Glen Helen Parkway between Sycamore Center Drive, and Lone Pine Canyon Road at Highway 138.

From reports a excavator or a front loading tractor may have hit a rock and spark the fire. With this information the cause is still under investigation. Check back for update below.

10am Saturday update on the #SouthFire 819 acres, 10% contained Evacuation orders/ warnings remained in place today due to safety hazards such as utility work, falling rock and heavy equipment.

South Fire update at 9am Saturday the current acreage are at 819, with 30% containment. Today, firefighters built and re-enforced containment lines around the fire perimeter. Pockets of unburned vegetation continue to burn on the fire’s interior, causing smoke to be visible.

4pm Sunday update The evacuation order has been downgraded to a warning for Lytle Creek residents. All those that were in evacuation order have now been lifted. Lytle Creek Road is now open to residents only.

9:17pm Sunday The #SouthFire is now at 49% containment.

Residents in the mountain and foothill areas should stay informed of weather forecasts. Register your cell phones with the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) / Swift 911 and have an emergency plan. Visit www.sbcounty.gov for more emergency preparedness information. 

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