HESPERIA, CA, (Pain In The Pass) >> Illegal fireworks are the suspected cause of a brush fire that sparked Saturday evening. (Photo above is credit by Lynne Fauber Erdahl.)
The “Hesperia Fire” was reported at about 6pm, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, on Highway 173 near Silverwood Lake in the Los Flores Ranch area in the city of Hesperia.
San Bernardino County Fire with help from CAL FIRE firefighters were quickly on scene and called for more support due to gusty winds. The winds were gusting about 10 to 20 mph in light flashy brush fanning the flames.
Air attack was requested with two helicopters and four airtankers were on scene to do some drops to try to stop the fire.
Structures were threatened and Highway 173 was closed at this time from Hwy 138 to Ranchero Road.
As of 8:15pm the fire has burned at approximately 500 acres in the Los Flores area.
No structures have been reported to be damage or destroyed.
9:30pm Evacuation Warnings are in effect for the Arrowhead Equestrian Estates area on Arrowhead Lake Rd./Hwy 173.
At 10:15pm, The fire has spotted ahead of itself and is making a run up to Highway 173. Units are trying to hold the fire west of Highway 173 per radio traffic. Additionally, the fire is now 700 acres per CAL FIRE.
Sunday at 7am, The fire is now 1,330 acres and 7% contained, from Cal Fire.
Sunday at 7pm CAL Fire remapped the fire at 1078 acres and 20% contained. Crews made good progress on control lines around Critical Infrastructure, 500KV Transmission Lines and Natural Gas Pipelines. Evacuation Warnings remain in place for the Arrowhead Equestrian Estates. Smoke and flames will be visible in the area and drift will be seen for miles. Crews will work throughout the night to continue containment areas.
6pm Monday Cal Fire said, no growth and holding at 1078 acres. Due to the strong work of firefighters, containment has increased to 72%.
Update at 7am Tuesday Authorities have lifted all road closures and evacuations warnings. The fire containment lines is 86% contained.
California Highway Patrol incident log stated a neighbor set off some fireworks that sparked the fire. CAL FIRE said, the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Help keep San Bernardino County safe by reporting dangerous and illegal fireworks. Use the anonymous Illegal Fireworks Reporter tool at sbcfire.co/reportfireworks or call the WeTip hotline at 1-800-47-ARSON.
Possessing any type of fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks, is illegal in unincorporated areas of the county. Violators may face criminal charges, be held liable for damages, and face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense and the potential for arrest.
Let’s work together to prevent fires, injuries, and protect our communities as the height of wildfire season approaches.
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