The blaze, ignited around 2:40 pm in the northern part of San Bernardino, has devastated the Shandin Hills neighborhood, prompting immediate evacuation orders for residents, reported NYT.The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported multiple buildings have been destroyed, and an evacuation center has been established at a local elementary school to assist displaced residents.
Inferno on the hillside
Live footage captured the fire engulfing suburban homes with tile roofs, highlighting the intense flames and smoke that have fueled fears of the fire’s spread into more densely populated areas. Eric Sherwin, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, described the fire’s progression as “ridiculously rapid,” attributing the rapid spread to extremely dry conditions and temperatures nearing 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Edgehill fire: A growing threat
Named the Edgehill Fire, the blaze is currently zero percent contained. Approximately 200 firefighters from multiple agencies are working tirelessly to control the inferno. The challenging conditions have been exacerbated by gusty southwest winds, which have driven the fire uphill towards residential areas.
Sam Zuber, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in San Diego, noted that the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds has created “perfect conditions for the fire to spread up to the ridge top.” The gusty winds have significantly hampered containment efforts, making it difficult for firefighters to establish control.
Ongoing battle and community response
As the fire continues to rage, local authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay updated through official channels. The San Bernardino community is rallying to support those affected, with emergency services working around the clock to manage the situation.
With the Edgehill Fire showing no signs of containment, the situation remains fluid and highly volatile, reflecting the broader challenges faced by California in managing the ongoing wildfire crisis.
