Line Fire doubles in size overnight in San Bernardino County, with evacuations expanding

The massive Line Fire exploded to 17,459 acres Sunday in Southern California's San Bernardino County, threatening thousands of structures, with expanded mandatory evacuation orders.

Hundreds of firefighters battled the flames as the wildfire nearly doubled in size overnight and remained at zero containment , according to Cal-Fire. Over the weekend, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency , allowing for additional resources and funding to assist with the firefight.

Early Saturday afternoon, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced a mandatory evacuation order for homes near the growing blaze.

By Sunday, Cal-Fire said evacuation orders had been issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for the area from Calle Del Rio to Highway 38, including Greenspot Road North; all underdeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue; the areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18; the communities of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake; the area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill from Highland Avenue north to the foothills; and north of Highland Avenue and East of Palm Avenue to Highway 330.

Paired with the sweltering heat currently roasting the region, weather officials say that the smoke from the fire has created clouds similar to those that come with thunderstorms, prompting reports of over 1,100 lightning strikes in the area.

"The heat affects them tremendously. You know, the work-rest cycles? They can work for a little bit but the body just needs to take a break after awhile," said Battalion Chief Brent Pascua of firefighters, who are working in extreme heat.

On top of this, the small fire-created storm system can also increase winds in the immediate area, which have fanned the flames as it continues to spread and create challenges for firefighters.

The wildfire first sparked along Baseline Road around 6 p.m. on Thursday and tore through several hundred more acres before exploding over Friday night and surpassing 3,000 acres. By Saturday, the fire had scorched more than 7,000 acres. The blaze has been burning near Highland, and on Friday, some residents said they could see it from their homes.

"The flames were right up on us because the wind shifted," said Brian Gano, who lives in Highland. He was trying to hose down the flames alongside his wife and son. "I got a high-pressure line in my backyard."

The skies above San Bernardino County lit up in a glowing orange hue as bright red flames could be seen tearing through the shrubbery. Firefighters flew through thick, billowing plumes of smoke to make fire retardant drops, working against the blaze from the air and ground.

They had managed to keep the flames within the San Bernardino National Forest but winds started to sweep them towards homes.

"We had an aggressive firefight on our hands to protect those homes," said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua.

Meanwhile, over Friday, people living in the area waited to hear whether they would have to evacuate. Diya Hirpara, one of those residents, said at the time that she was buying groceries as she tried to prepare.

"It was pretty scary," Hirpara said. "We're just kind of on the edge, just waiting."

Evacuation warnings have been issued for neighborhoods east of Church Street, north of Highland Avenue; east of Weaver, north of Greenspot to the Iron Bridge; Green Valley Lake; Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Valley of Enchantment. Officials said those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave immediately, however.

Evacuation shelters have been established at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Building 6, located at 14800 7th Street, in Victorville; and Immanuel Baptist Church, which is located at 28355 Base Line Street in Highland. An animal evacuation shelter has been established at Devore Animal Shelter, which is located at 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino. For questions, residents may call: (909) 386-9820, or (800) 472-5609 during after hours.

Cal-Fire says there are currently 8,733 structures threatened, including single and multi-family homes, commercial buildings, and other minor structures. A Damage Inspection Team has been ordered.

The American Red Cross is also assisting those who have been displaced, offering shelter, water and other resources.

In the midst of the chaos, with thousands of people attempting to leave their homes due to the evacuation orders, a small earthquake rattled the are a, according to the United States Geological Survey.

On Friday, air quality regulators issued a smoke advisory to warn people about poor, harmful conditions as smoke from the Line Fire is carried by winds into surrounding areas. The air quality is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "very unhealthy," a category that indicates everyone — including people without any health conditions — may experience harmful side effects .

As the fire continued to rage, Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched a team of more than 20 firefighters and three engines to assist the crews already on hand battling the blaze.

Late Saturday, San Bernardino County officials issued a proclamation of emergency.

"The proclamation formally orders all San Bernardino County departments and agencies to take actions deemed necessary to assure the safety and welfare of county residents and property, including requesting mutual aid as needed," officials said in a statement. "The proclamation also clears the path for state and perhaps federal disaster proclamations should the incident require a response beyond the means of county and other local agencies."

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, winds were blowing smoke from the wildfire west toward the cities of Highland and San Bernardino, with people in those areas expected to feel the impacts on Friday and Saturday.

A map showing the latest smoke and air quality conditions can be found here .

As for road closures, authorities said Baseline Road is shut down from Fairwood to Brockwood for firefighting operations. "All residents can get to and from the area but must follow the detour instructions," authorities said in an update Saturday .

Aurantia Park in Highland is also closed to the general public.

A full list of the latest evacuation orders, road closures and other information for those affected can be found here .