SEVEN OAKS – (INT) – Fire behavior along the remaining 20 percent of the uncontained Line Fire in the San Bernardino Mountains has been more than expected. Authorities insist the situation is manageable, but are keeping in place evacuation orders for the Barton Flats and Seven Oaks areas and the southwestern side of Big Bear Lake.

The active portion of the nearly month-old arson fire is an area of the Santa Ana River drainage. Bone dry vegetation, wind and steep mountain slopes have combined to create a flare-up that sent clouds of smoke skyward that were visible over a wide area.

Helicopters are continuing the pour water into the drainage, day and night. Additional crews, equipment and air resources are enroute.

The Line Fire’s rampage across 43-thousand-251 acres has claimed one building and damaged four others.

Story Date: October 1, 2024