Fire Crews Advance into Wrightwood Neighborhoods as Evacuation Orders Ease
WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (VVNG.com) — San Bernardino County Fire crews moved into storm-impacted Wrightwood neighborhoods Thursday morning as part of the ongoing “December Storms” Incident response, officials said.
According to a written statement from San Bernardino County Fire, a break in the weather on December 25 allowed personnel to be “strategically placed in neighborhoods that were severely impacted by the storm to help with recovery efforts.” The department remains in unified command with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
A more detailed update is expected in the evening advisory.
As recovery operations advanced, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced an update to local evacuation orders.
Effective 1:00 p.m. Thursday, the evacuation order for the communities north of Highway 2 to Palmdale Road, west of Sheep Creek Road to the Los Angeles County line, was downgraded to an evacuation warning. “There is still a potential for mud and debris flow from an approaching storm that may affect your area,” the statement warned.
Additionally, on December 25, a Flood Watch was issued for a wide area including Wrightwood, Crestline, Big Bear City, Ontario, Running Springs, Big Bear Lake, Victorville, Fontana, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Hesperia, Lucerne Valley, Lake Arrowhead, and Apple Valley. The watch is in effect from late Thursday night through Friday afternoon.
While rainfall rates are expected to be lower than previous storms—generally 0.2 to 0.5 inches per hour—officials warn that saturated soils and full drainage systems may increase the risk of flash flooding. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to monitor official forecasts and be prepared to act quickly should Flood Warnings be issued.
Travelers and mountain residents should also remain alert for rockslides and debris in the roadways, especially in steep or unstable areas.
According to San Bernardino County Fire, on December 24, more than 120 fire personnel were actively engaged in evacuation support and addressing life safety concerns. One minor injury was reported involving a pediatric patient, who was transported to a hospital as a precaution.
That evening, the Care and Reception Center at Silverado High School closed and was replaced with a new shelter site at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh St. in Victorville. The facility can house evacuees along with pets and animals of all sizes.
San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Paul Cook expressed his gratitude for the emergency response efforts, stating, “Thank you to all the hard-working agencies who are working so quickly on Christmas Day to clean up the community of Wrightwood after yesterday’s devastating storms and flooding. We appreciate you!”
Crews are expected to continue with property preservation operations where conditions allow. These efforts may include damming, diverting water, and salvaging property. Fire personnel are also maintaining patrols to monitor ongoing storm impacts and report any changes to incident command.
Residents are advised that all remaining evacuation and shelter-in-place orders are still in effect. To stay informed, sign up for the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) and visit prepare.sbcounty.gov for verified updates.
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