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San Bernardino County continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Line Fire, as new flare-ups have triggered fresh evacuation orders and warnings. Originally ignited on September 5, 2024, this wildfire has consumed over 44,400 acres and forced residents of Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks to evacuate once again. As of Monday, fire containment stands at 80%, but challenges persist due to unpredictable wind patterns and dry vegetation.
Evacuations in Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks
On Monday afternoon, a mandatory evacuation order was issued for Angelus Oaks, an area that had previously been downgraded to a warning zone. According to KABC, the fire’s activity over the weekend escalated rapidly, prompting officials to upgrade warnings to full evacuation orders. Residents of Seven Oaks faced a similar situation on Sunday, as the fire spread unexpectedly into the Santa Ana River drainage and surrounding areas.
Monica Aguilar, a local restaurant owner in Angelus Oaks, expressed her concerns about the situation. “It was scary because [the fire is] right here, and they don’t really tell you a lot,” she told KABC News. Despite the looming danger, some locals, especially retirees, are hesitant to leave, as Seven Oaks resident Monica Aguilar explained to reporters. Many have deep connections to their homes, making evacuation a tough decision.
Fire Behavior and Containment Efforts
Cal Fire reports that dry vegetation and steep slopes have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which remains active in the Bear and Siberia Creek drainages. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection noted that active flames could still be seen in areas like the Santa Ana River drainage, producing significant smoke that is expected to linger in Big Bear Valley for days.
Firefighters are particularly concerned about the erratic wind conditions, which have hampered containment efforts. The most significant fire growth occurred to the north and east, where crews are still struggling to establish control lines .
Nighttime aerial operations have been crucial in containing the fire, with helicopters performing water drops to cool down hot spots in the affected drainages. San Bernardino National Forest has now entered a unified command with local fire departments and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, bringing additional resources and personnel to the fight .
Road Closures and Public Safety
Highway 330 remains closed in both directions, limiting access from Highland Avenue to Live Oak.
Similarly, State Route 38 is shut down between Big Bear and Angelus Oaks, further complicating evacuation routes. However, Highway 18 is open, allowing evacuees from Big Bear to leave via Running Springs or Lucerne Valley.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has been urging residents to comply with evacuation orders. As of now, multiple shelters have opened to assist displaced residents, including the Apple Valley Conference Center and Redlands East Valley High School .
Arson and Legal Consequences
The cause of the Line Fire has been linked to arson, with 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg charged with 11 arson-related crimes. Authorities allege that Halstenberg deliberately set the fire near Baseline Road in Highland. His actions have not only led to significant property damage but have also put countless lives at risk, as the fire continues to pose a threat to surrounding communities .
Outlook
Despite achieving 80% containment, fire officials warn that the Line Fire is far from over. The combination of dry fuel, steep terrain, and erratic winds makes the situation volatile. With unpredictable conditions ahead, residents should remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders.