WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (VVNG.com) — On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Bridge Fire rapidly spread from Los Angeles County into San Bernardino County, posing an immediate threat to the communities of Wrightwood, Pinion Hills, Mt. Baldy, San Antonio Heights, and the northern part of the City of Upland.
The fire has resulted in the loss of structures in the Wrightwood community.
At 9:13 p.m., the San Bernardino County Chief Executive Officer proclaimed an emergency. The Board of Supervisors will be asked to ratify this action at an emergency special meeting.
Rumors circulated that the Mountain High Ski Resort was destroyed by the fire. However, an update from the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council at 7:30 a.m. on September 11th, clarified that all structures, including Mtn High East and West, remained intact.
“At the west resort, the crew from LA County Fire Station 130 in Lancaster has been at the resort since last evening and they get credit for the incredible work done. The captain from Engine 130 also told me that the building/restaurant at the top of East also survived the fire,” the Wrightwood Mountain Group stated in a Facebook post.
As of Wednesday morning, the Bridge Fire had burned 47,904 acres, with 0% containment, and the cause remains under investigation. It started on September 8, 2024, and is 1 of 3 major wildfires burning across Southern California. Evacuation orders have been issued for 18 zones in Los Angeles County and 8 zones in San Bernardino County.
Personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and partner public safety agencies have been actively involved in the response efforts.
County leadership and representatives from various partner agencies are monitoring the situation from the County Emergency Operations Center, while developing response and relief strategies.
SR-138 is closed from Lone Pine to Beekley Road due to evacuations. SR-2 is closed from Big Pine to SR-138.
Overnight, the Bridge Fire continued to exhibit extreme fire behavior as it increased over 13,000 acres mainly on the north and east flanks. The top priority for firefighters remained in structure protection and defense within the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills and Mount Baldy.
Numerous structures in the Wrightwood area have been impacted by the fire, with damage to power infrastructure reported. Once it is safe for damage assessment teams to evaluate, confirmed numbers will be released.
On the south end, the fire jumped Glendora Ridge Road up to Sunset Peak, which was highly visible at night from the inland cities below.
Despite the extreme fire behavior, lack of resources, and challenges firefighters had, they successfully defended homes, and no communication towers went down.
Firefighters held the lines they had west of Mount Baldy Road, and they continued to prioritize securing contingency lines to the south. By the public heeding evacuations, firefighters were able to get in and engage in the structure defense they needed to.
As the fire continues to head into receptive fuels with little to no fire history, it could get established into drainages and have slope alignment, leading to the potential for large energy release that could create plume-driven fire behavior and column collapses which may send spot fires out ahead of the fire’s direction.
There have been no changes in evacuations since last night.
Residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to all evacuation warnings and orders. Those under an evacuation warning should pack their valuables and necessary items in preparation to leave. If under an evacuation order, residents should leave immediately and follow official instructions.
Red Cross Evacuation Centers are located at:
- The Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center, 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana
- Victorville Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St, Victorville
