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.

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