The Vista Fire reached over 1,000 acres this morning, and according to authorities, is still zero percent contained. Photo: San Bernardino National Forest
A fast-moving wildfire burning through steep terrain in the San Bernardino National forest has grown exponentially since it was first reported on Sunday. The fire, which prompted closures and an evacuation order for the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort, still shows no signs of containment.
Dubbed the “Vista Fire,” the blaze was first reported around 10:00 a.m. on July 7 in Lytle Creek, according to the San Bernardino National Forest. By that evening, SBNF tweeted that the blaze was 94 acres, had closed off portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and prompted the aforementioned evacuation order for Mt. Baldy. The fire continued to burn overnight and at 10:35 a.m. on the July 8, had increased to 115 acres. Just four hours later, that number ballooned to 588 acres. By the morning of July 9, the fire reached 1,095 acres, still with zero percent containment.
The fire is burning brush and timber in steep and rugged, rocky terrain, making access for firefighters difficult. Crews fought the fire using fire engine modules to suppress it, while hotshot crews and bulldozers cut a line around the fire’s perimeter. Meanwhile, aircraft were used to slow the progression of the fire while terrestrial crews engaged.
“At the time of posting the wind has eased and air support has finished their second shift of the day with two helicopters dipping our pond but (did) not fly over night,” wrote the Mt. Baldy Ski Resort Instagram in a caption to a video, posted Monday night, showing airborne firefighting crews tackling the blaze. “San Bernardino County Fire is onsite and will stay over night with us in order to keep things wet if the fire breaches the ridge. In addition to our snow-making equipment in position, Chapman’s fire company will also be on hand to be sure we do everything we can to keep SoCals raddest mountain safe and intact.”
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The extreme heat wave that has gripped Southern California has only exacerbated the situation, and continues to be a concern for firefighting crews. Hot and dry weather predicted for the rest of the week, combined with low relative humidities and wind gusts could “enhance fire behavior and possible additional growth,” according to the SBNF.
As of yet, there is no information as to the cause of the fire.
