The area burned by the Line Fire as of September 9
The general location of the fire, in Southern California
The Line Fire is a large active wildfire in San Bernardino County, Southern California. The fire began on September 5 near the community of Highland and spread into the San Bernardino National Forest. The fire has forced the evacuation of multiple communities. On September 10, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department identified and arrested 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a resident of Norco, on suspicion of starting the fire on September 5.[1][2] As of October 24, 2024[update], the Line Fire has burned 43,978 acres (17,797 hectares) and is 98 percent contained.
Background
The cause of the fire is believed to be arson.[3] It began during a multiple-day heatwave in Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles reached 112 °F (44 °C), the third time that temperature had been reached since 1877.[4]
Progression
The Line Fire ignited on September 5th at around 6:00 p.m. PST along Baseline Road,[5] near its intersection with Alpin Street in East Highlands. The fire was originally named the Baseline Fire. The fire spread from that point into the San Bernardino National Forest.[6]
Progression of the Line Fire as of October 1st, 2024
The CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 3 was activated on September 6th.[7]
Also rain helped the Line Fire on September 7-8, 2024, with combination of rain and smoke.
The California National Guard was deployed, including four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, two C-130 aircraft, hand crews, and one military police company to assist with evacuations.[10]
On September 29th, the fire saw a large flare up as it burned through the Bear Creek and Santa Ana River drainages. The increase in fire activity prompted evacuation orders for the communities of Seven Oaks and Angelus Oaks.[11]
As of October 24, 2024[update], the fire has burned 43,978 acres (17,797 hectares) and is 98 percent contained.[3]
A large flare up seen from Redlands. On September 29, 2024, twenty-four days after the initial start of the wildfire. San Gorgonio Mountain seen on the right.
Effects
Evacuations
The fire on the morning of September 8, 2024
The Line Fire has led to mandatory evacuation orders for more than 500 homes.[5] Initial evacuation warnings were issued for neighborhoods in East Highland in the early morning of September 6, 2024.[12] By September 7, 2024, evacuation orders would be placed for neighborhoods along the foothills, extending into San Bernardino, and for neighborhoods east of Calle Del Rio.[13]
On September 9th, the Redlands Municipal Airport was closed to non-emergency aircraft. It was later reopened on September 20th. [17] On October 1, the Big Bear City Airport was closed on to non-fire-fighting aircraft due to increased fire activity. It has since reopened.
On September 7th CAL FIRE issued a warning against flying UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) in or around wildfires, reporting that there had been two separate drone incursions into the Line Fire the previous day.[18]
Destruction
As of October 24th, there have been 4 confirmed damaged structures, 1 confirmed destroyed structures, and 6 confirmed injuries. [19]
Growth and containment table
Fire containment status Gray: contained; Red: active; %: percent contained;
