More than 360 firefighters are working to contain the out-of-control "South Fire" burning in the Lytle Creek area near Fontana. The fire started west of the 15 freeway after 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, on Lytle Creek Road.
So far it has destroyed at least 680 acres and is zero percent contained, according to fire officials.
With the help of a night-flying helicopter, crews worked overnight to attempt containment, officials with the San Bernardino National Forest said. They added that firefighters Thursday were prepared for a high temperature with low relative humidity levels.
Officials also warned the public that things may not be as they appear far away from fire lines.
“While there may not be much smoke showing at the moment, the fire remains a threat to communities/infrastructure as the day gets hotter, drier and windier,” forest officials said. “Firefighters are staged and working along Lytle Creek Rd., leaving little room for safe access in and out of the canyon.”
Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for several areas of the San Gabriel Mountain Community. Evacuations are mandatory for the following: residents from Lytle Creek Road North and south of the ranger station, west of Sierra Avenue, north of I-15 and east of Duncan Canyon Road.
Evacuation warnings are in effect for all residents north of Glen Helen Parkway, east of Sierra/Lytle Creek road and West of I-15.
The Jessie Turner Center is open as an evacuation center at 15556 Summit Avenue in Fontana.
While road closures are subject to change, the latest incident report shows that the following roads are closed: Sierra Avenue (north of I-15), Lytle Creek Road to Duncan Canyon, Lytle Creek Road to Sierra Avenue, Glen Helen Parkway (between Sycamore Center Drive) and Lone Pine Canyon Road at Highway 138.
Residents in the mountain and foothill areas are being told to pay attention to updates to determine if they must evacuate. For more updates on the South Fire, visit sbcounty.gov.
