80,000 people evacuated as fast-moving Southern California brush fire destroys homes, businesses


More than 82,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes as an out-of-control brushfire roars through the Cajon Pass in Southern California.
The Blue Cut fire has burned at least 18,000 acres and is expected to grow, a public information officer for the San Bernardino County Fire Department said. The blaze was first reported at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near Interstate 15, the major thoroughfare that takes drivers from Southern California to Las Vegas; the freeway, as well as several other roads, is now closed. Dry brush and temperatures above 100 degrees fueled the flames, and officials confirmed several structures have been destroyed.
Six county firefighters became trapped by walls of flames while protecting several homes, and two had to be treated for minor injuries, the Los Angeles Times reports; they have since been released and are back fighting the blaze. At least 700 firefighters are on the scene, and an additional 750 have been ordered to the area. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) has declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County, and Blue Cut is not the only major fire going on in the state. In Northern California, firefighters are still battling the Clayton Fire, which has destroyed blocks of homes. Police said a 40-year-old man has been charged with arson in connection with the fire.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
Book review: ‘Abundance’ and ‘Raising Hare: A Memoir’
Feature The political party of ‘abundance’ and a political adviser befriends a baby hare
By The Week US Published
-
USPS Postmaster General DeJoy steps down
Speed Read Louis DeJoy faced ongoing pressure from the Trump administration as they continue to seek power over the postal system
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's plan to rebuild American shipping faces rough waters
Talking Points Fees on China-made ships could disrupt trade
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Severe storms kill dozens across central US
Speed Read At least 40 people were killed over the weekend by tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Rain helps Los Angeles wildfires, risks mudslides
Speed Read The weather provided relief for crews working to contain wildfires, though rain over a burn area ups the chances of flooding and mudslides
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Should Los Angeles rebuild its fire-prone neighbourhoods?
Talking Point The latest devastating wildfires must be a wake-up call for Los Angels to 'move away from fire-prone suburban sprawl'
By The Week UK Published
-
The worst wildfires in California history
The Explainer Total damage from the ongoing fires could be up to $150 billion, according to AccuWeather
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What happens to wildlife during a wildfire?
The explainer Flames also affect the flora and fauna
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Death toll rises in LA fires as wind lull allows progress
Speed Read At least 24 people have died and 100,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden cancels Italy trip as raging LA fires spread
Speed Read The majority of the fires remain 0% contained
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Fast-spreading Los Angeles wildfires spark panic
Speed Read About 30,000 people were under an evacuation order as the inferno spread
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published