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The Bridge Fire has erupted across Southern California, leaving devastation in its wake as it consumes over 50,000 acres of land. According to USA Today, the blaze has already destroyed 33 homes, with thousands more structures at risk. As of Thursday morning, the fire remains 0% contained, spreading from Los Angeles to San Bernardino County, affecting communities like Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy.
Fire crews have faced immense challenges due to extreme heat and erratic winds that fueled the fire’s rapid growth. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone confirmed that 20 homes in the Mt. Baldy area and 13 in Wrightwood were lost, along with six cabins in the wilderness. CBS News reported that despite this destruction, no deaths or significant injuries have been reported, although the fire still poses a major threat to over 2,500 structures.
Evacuations were swiftly implemented, impacting thousands of residents across multiple areas. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced evacuation orders for Wrightwood, East Fork communities, and sections of Pinon Hills. Our reporters at Digital News Report, are reporting that livestock and homes near Mountain Road and Nielson Road are also in danger as the fire continues its slow advance.
Firefighters, however, are hopeful. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Inman told USA Today that while Thursday’s wind posed challenges, decreasing temperatures and calmer winds have provided a much-needed break. Inman stated, “Mother Nature has given us a bit of a break here,” and officials expect further progress as weather conditions improve. Humidity levels have increased, and the lower temperatures are assisting in slowing the fire’s aggressive spread.
Despite these improvements, thousands of smaller hot spots continue to burn, making containment efforts difficult. Fire crews have focused on surrounding the perimeter of the fire to prevent further expansion. NPR reported that firefighting teams are also closely monitoring the hills behind Wrightwood, an area still under threat. The fire’s spread into zones with “little to no fire history” adds to concerns that it could easily gain strength if conditions shift.
While no new structures were reported lost overnight, residents remain on edge as the fire has shown unpredictable behavior. According to CBS, the fire is currently the largest active blaze in California, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by wildfires across the state.
Resources from multiple agencies, including Cal Fire, are being deployed to combat the fire, but officials warn that the situation remains fluid. Firefighters are continuing their efforts around the clock, hoping to contain the blaze before it claims more homes or forces additional evacuations.
As Southern California braces for what could be a long recovery, communities like Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy are left grappling with the destruction of homes and the uncertainty of what comes next.