Brush fire scorches 72 acres in Phelan, firefighters stop spread

A fire broke in in Phelan and quickly consumed more than 72 acres of brush on Tuesday afternoon before being halted by firefighters about 90 minutes later, officials said.

The fire was first reported about 6 p.m. in the area of Johnson Road and Snow Line Drive, according to CAL FIRE. The incident was labeled the Johnson Fire.

Within in 90 minutes, it had expanded to 72 acres in size, authorities said.

Flames were burning through "medium" fuels at a moderate to rapid rate of spread, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District officials said.

One structure was immediately threatened by the fire.

Firefighting aircraft were called in to assist San Bernardino County and CAL FIRE firefighters on the ground.

The California Highway Patrol was also summoned to enforce a road closure at Highway 138 and Sheep Creek Road, as well as at Snow Line Drive and Riggins Road, officials said.

No evacuations were ordered as a result of the fire. No structure damage or injuries were reported.

"Due to a concerted effort by ground crews supported by aircraft, the forward rate of spread was stopped at 7:30 p.m.," San Bernardino County Fire Protection District officials said in a written statement.

Firefighters were expected to remain on-site through the night ensuring the flames were completely snuffed.

The cause of the fire was not clear.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Brush fire scorches 72 acres in Phelan, firefighters stop spread