Fast-moving wildfire forces evacuations in San Bernardino mountains

An uncontrolled wildfire in San Bernardino County has led to mandatory evacuations in the mountain communities of Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake. The Line fire, which ignited Thursday evening, rapidly expanded due to soaring temperatures reaching 110 degrees, doubling in size from 3,800 acres to 7,122 acres by Saturday evening. Firefighters, numbering around 500, are employing various methods including hand lines, hoses, and aerial support to combat the blaze, which remains at 0% containment. The challenging terrain and limited access have hindered firefighting efforts, as noted by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The National Weather Service has indicated that weather conditions are worsening the situation, with outflow winds from pyrocumulonimbus clouds complicating the fire's behavior. These clouds form above intense heat sources like wildfires, creating a dangerous environment for both residents and firefighters. Residents of Running Springs, a community of approximately 4,600, and Arrowbear Lake, home to about 735 people, faced significant challenges as they evacuated. Many were caught in traffic jams while trying to leave the area, as evacuation orders were issued due to the immediate danger posed by the fire. The situation remains critical, with authorities emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the conditions. The fire's rapid growth and the ongoing threat to local communities underscore the urgency of the response efforts and the need for residents to heed evacuation orders.