Edgehill Fire destroys San Bernardino County homes as temps soar in California
A brush fire in San Bernardino County has destroyed multiple homes in the area, according to San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.
Named the Edgehill Fire, it ignited Monday at 2:40 p.m. local time. When firefighters arrived on the scene of the fire in the 3300 block of Beverly Drive on Little Mountain, it was only about an acre big and "rapidly moving," the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District said.
It was 109 degrees at the time.
Five single family homes and one outbuilding were destroyed by the fire, according to a damage assessment released by the fire district. Three single family homes were damaged.
Evacuation orders were issued for people living in parts of San Bernardino County, including on the south side of Ridge Line Drive and on the north side of Edgehill Road, per the fire protection district. The orders have since been lifted, according to the San Bernardino Police Department.
Pictures shared by the police department on X showed structures that appear to be almost completely burned down.
The fire grew to 54 acres but was 75% contained as of 7 a.m. Tuesday afternoon, according to county officials. It is "no longer actively progressing."
No civilians were injured in the fire, but one firefighter received minor injuries, police said.
A family's three dogs were killed by the raging fire, NBC Los Angeles reported.
The cause of the fire has been determined to be "human in nature," according to fire district spokesperson Eric Sherwin, but it's not clear at this time if the ignition of the fire was intentional, unintentional or negligent. It's not clear if anyone is in custody in connection with the fire at this time.
The fire's origin has been narrowed down to the 3300 block of Beverly Drive, police said in an update Tuesday afternoon.
"Arson investigators are still on scene determining the cause and a more precise origin of the fire," police said on X.
Firefighters and law enforcement are staying in the area impacted by the fire Tuesday as temperatures of 95 to 106 are expected in San Bernardino County, according to police and National Weather Service. An excessive heat warning is in effect for the county until 11 p.m. Tuesday.
"Road closures are still in effect for Circle Road, Vista Drive, Hillhurst Drive, and parts of Edgehill Road" to ensure that personnel can respond to impacted areas, police said. Those who are affected by the fire can go to Cajon High School to receive information.
