Bridge Fire burns nearly 48,000 acres, destroys multiple homes

The Bridge Fire has grown in the Angeles National Forest near Glendora, burning nearly 48,000 acres as of Wednesday morning and destroying multiple structures.

The containment is at zero percent.

During a press conference, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the fire destroyed around 20 homes in the Mount Baldy area, 13 homes in Wrightwood, and six cabins. There were no significant injuries and no deaths reported.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said an off-duty sheriff's deputy and two people who were with him in the fire zone were trapped by the fire near the Mount Baldy area; however, they were all safe and uninjured. He added that rescue teams were unable to reach the group because of the heavy smoke in.

Luna added that they were "just waiting for the right circumstances to be rescued."

On Tuesday night, San Bernardino County officials said the fire spread from Los Angeles County into San Bernardino County. In addition to Mt. Baldy and Wrightwood, other areas threatened by the fires include Pinion Hills, San Antonio Heights, and the northern part of the city of Upland.

“Tragically, homes have been lost,” officials wrote in a news update . The exact number of homes lost has not been disclosed at this time.

Some residents in San Antonio Heights told KNX News’ Craig Fiegener they could see the fire, as well as feel its impacts.

“The air is thick. The smoke is thick,” one resident said. “If we go out, we can see the fire at night.”

Sheriff Luna urged that people being asked to evacuate take the orders seriously.

“If we're asking you to evacuate, there is no property that is worth you risking your life for,” he said. “Please make sure that  means that you [are] ready to go at a minute's notice.”

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Evacuation orders were put in place for the following communities:

·         Pinon Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 18 and Beekley Road west to L.A. County

·         Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Highway 138/Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest

·         Entire community of Wrightwood

·         East Fork communities of Camp Williams Resort (café, mobile home park, campground) and River Community (near the resort)

Evacuation centers available to the public are as follows:

· Jessie Turner Community Center

· SB County Fairgrounds, Building 6 .

· Pomona Fairplex

· Hacienda Heights Community Center

The following animal evacuation shelters are available:

· Devore Animal Shelter (pets/livestock) Note: Call 909-386-9820, or after hours: 800-472-5609.

· Palmdale Animal Care Center (small animals)

· Lancaster Animal Care Center (small animals)

· Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (large animals): Call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival.

The following roads are closed:

San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River Highway 39 East Fork Road Glendora Ridge Road Glendora Mountain Road Mt.
Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

City News Service contributed to this article.

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