First responders and various San Bernardino County and partner agencies were ready when the Line Fire flared up on Sunday and suddenly threatened Seven Oaks, Angelus Oaks and the Big Bear Valley.
The fire, which began on Sept. 5 near Highland, had burned 39,299 acres and was 83 percent contained on Sunday when it found newly dried fuel and gained ground in the Bear Creek drainage and burned an additional 1,000 acres in 24 hours.
As of Wednesday morning, 43,890 acres had burned and containment had dropped to 79 percent. San Bernardino County Fire rejoined the unified command, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department had issued evacuation orders for Seven Oaks and Angelus Oaks and an evacuation warning for portions of the Big Bear Valley.
The American Red Cross, with help from several county agencies, opened evacuation shelters for affected residents and their pets at Redlands East Valley High School and the Apple Valley Conference Center. Teams from county Behavioral Health, Aging and Adult Services, Homeless Services and Animal Care were present at the shelters to assist residents with various needs. Up-to-date information on the fire and resources for residents can be found on the county’s Line Fire Incident Page. Assistance is also available by calling 2-1-1.