US: Authorities continue to contain wildfire in San Bernardino County, Calif., as of late Sept. 8 /update 2

Crews continue working to contain a wildfire burning in parts of San Bernardino County, California, as of late Sept. 8. The Line Fire broke out the evening of Sept. 5 near Baseline and Aplin streets. The fire has burned around 7,065 hectares (17,459 acres) and is 0 percent contained. More than 600 firefighting personnel are on site battling the blaze. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County due to the Line Fire.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for homes and structures in Highland, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and the surrounding areas. Evacuation warnings are in place for the mountain communities of Green Valley Lake, Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment. Evacuation shelters have been set up at San Bernardino County Fairgrounds and Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center. Several roads are closed, including Highway 330 from Highland Avenue to Highway 18 in Running Springs as well as Highway 18 from Kuffel Canyon to the Big Bear Dam, from Running Springs to Highway 38 (Big Bear Dam), and northbound from Kuffel Canyon to Running Springs. Full details on the locations of evacuation orders and road closures can be found here. The fire has resulted in three injuries and is threatening more than 35,000 structures. All schools in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District will be closed Sept. 9.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities may close additional routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate more communities depending on fire activity and the needs of response operators. Residents' return will probably disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Power outages are likely in affected areas. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.