Bridge Fire Update | Sept. 15, 2024

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September 15, 2024

meeting

Public Meeting Held at Serrano HS; New Evacuation Center Opens at Foursquare Church in Phelan

Dear Constituents,

Last night, the Unified Command team for the Bridge Fire hosted a public meeting for evacuees at the Serrano High School Performing Arts Center.

In attendance were representatives from San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Sheriff, the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council, Golden State Water Company, Los Angeles County Sheriff, LA County Fire, Cal Fire and Angeles National Forest.

The meeting was intended to bring residents up to date about the fire while answering questions relating to the closures, evacuation centers, and more.

Victor Valley Station mentioned that individuals with special circumstances for medical equipment or longer-term medication may call the non-emergency dispatch at 909-384-5742 for consideration.

View the recorded meeting

New Damage Map Released Online

According to Inciweb, 11 structures have been damaged and 49 have been destroyed in the Bridge Fire. To assist residents in determining how their property has fared, San Bernardino County has created a map of damaged or destroyed structures on both sides of the County Line. To view specifics, enter the address into the map at https://prepare.sbcounty.gov/bridge-fire/

Fire Now 9% Contained at 54,567 Acres

Currently, the fire is mapped at 54,567 acres with 9% containment and 2,625 personnel assigned to the blaze. Two individuals have been injured. In today's update, Angeles National Forest stated that a significant amount of fallen trees present a hazard along Highway 2 and other roads in Wrightwood:

"Firefighters must take the time to remove the trees. The northwest flank of the fire has been active and the highest priority, where fire is backing down to Big Pines Road and infrastructure near Forest Service campgrounds. Firefighters plan to continue securing containment lines while working to clear hazards to protect the communities of Wrightwood, Piñon Hills, and beyond."

Wrightwood Containment Showing Progress, Vincent Gap a Place of Concern

During today’s Operational Update for Angeles National Forest, Don Fregulia, Operations Section Chief for CIIMT 5, said that there is a small piece of open line immediately adjacent to Vincent Gap. (This area is close to the historic Big Horn Mine and Miner Vincent's Cabin).

“That's a problem for us, so we're concentrating all our efforts in there today," he said. "We have Hotshot crews, bulldozers, and every tool in the arsenal going to work on the northwest corner to try to button it up.”

Fregulia added: “Around the community of Wrightwood, we made good progress over the last couple of days. We expect to see some black (containment) on the map tonight, so we’re starting to finally feel a little bit better about that.”

Fire Department Thanks Evacuees for their Patience

San Bernardino County Fire officials are thanking evacuated residents for their patience.

"Infrastructure is an important component of returning to your home after an evacuation," the department announced. "Evacuations orders may persist after the fire threat has passed. Your safety remains our top priority. Restoring critical utilities and infrastructure will help ensure you return to a safe home."

What's New:

  • New Evacuation Center Opens: Fountain of Living Waters Foursquare Church has opened as an evacuation center at 10120 Johnson Rd., Phelan. The center is offering meals, snacks, hydration items, emotional support, health services and more. 
  • Evacuation Warning Downgraded: The evacuation order for West Cajon area of Highway 138 south to Lytle Creek and Oil Well Road East to Stone Basin has been downgraded to a warning.
  • New Public Meeting Planned: A second Bridge Fire Community Meeting is planned by the Unified Incident Command Team at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at Lytle Creek Community Center, located at 14082 Center Rd., San Bernardino. Please submit questions ahead of time to: 2024.bridge@firenet.gov
  • Golden State Water Lifts Warning: Golden State Water Company, working with the State Water Resources Control Board, has determined through comprehensive testing that the Wrightwood village's water is safe to drink. It is no longer necessary for residents to consume bottled water upon return to their homes. For more information, call Golden State Water Company’s customer service center 24/7 at 1-800-999-4033 or click here.

On a final note, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our Victor Valley Station deputies for their heroic efforts saving a stranded 78-year-old Wrightwood senior and her pet cat during the initial Bridge Fire evacuations. Their quick response and unwavering dedication ensured her safety during a terrifying time. Their actions truly embody the spirit of public service!


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postmail

Bridge Fire Evacuees Can Pick Up Mail at the Phelan Post Office

Road closures due to the Bridge Fire have prompted the temporary closure of the Pinon Hills and Wrightwood Post Offices. Mail service for customers of those offices have been temporarily relocated to the Phelan Post Office at 9782 Clovis Road, Phelan.

Hours for pick up are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Customers must present a photo ID for mail pick-up.


foodworld central

World Central Kitchen Serving Free Meals to Evacuated Residents

World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit project from celebrity chef Jose Andres, is serving free meals to evacuees and first responders at the parking lot of Stater Bros., 4059 Phelan Rd., Phelan. Service hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wendolynne Escobedo, Culinary Operations Manager for Western North America's World Central Kitchen, said that the food service may be extended beyond today based on updates from County and State officials.

An additional location is at Home Depot at 15655 Roy Rogers Drive in Victorville. Hours are noon until midnight.


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Evacuation Orders and Warnings

The community of Wrightwood remains under an evacuation order, while areas of Pinon Hills and Phelan are now under evacuation warnings.

San Bernardino County Fire officials thanked evacuated residents for their patience: "Infrastructure is an important component of returning to your home after an evacuation. Evacuations orders may persist after the fire threat has passed. Your safety remains our top priority. Restoring critical utilities and infrastructure will help ensure you return to a safe home. To those who are patiently waiting, thank you for partnering with us in making sure it is safe for you to return home after an evacuation order."

When the evacuation orders are lifted, only RESIDENTS will initially be allowed to return. Be prepared to show proof of residency.

Evacuation orders are currently in place for:

  • The entire community of Wrightwood
  • Hwy 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon and Highway 2 east to Lone Pine Canyon Road.
  • Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Highway 138/Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest.
  • Piñon Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 138 and Lebec Road west to Los Angeles County.

An Evacuation Order means your life is in danger and you must leave right away. Your cooperation ensures your safety and prevents emergency resources from being pulled away from other critical efforts.

There are Evacuation Warnings for:

  • The area of Phelan from Hwy 138 east to Baldy Mesa Road and Phelan Road south to Sayle Road.
  • Piñon Hills from Highway 18 south to Highway 138, and Beekley Road west to the county line.
  • The evacuation order for West Cajon area of Highway 138 south to Lytle Creek and Oil Well Road East to Stone Basin has been downgraded to a warning.

An Evacuation Warning means get ready to leave. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.

  • The evacuation warnings from Phelan Road south to Forest Route 3N24, and Baldy Mesa Road west to Tumbleweed Road, have been lifted.

Please follow all instructions from the San Bernardino County Sheriff.


sheltersshelter

Several Shelters Available For Bridge Fire Evacuees and Animals

Wrightwood and Pinon Hills residents in need of shelter for themselves or pets, horses and livestock have several options.

Residents in the evacuation area in need of help removing animals and pets can call Victor Valley Sheriff's Station at 760-956-5001 for assistance.

Our San Bernardino County Animal Care team has been on duty around the clock to ensure that all animals receive attentive care, including access to food, water, and comfortable living conditions. Over 300 animals are now being cared for at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds.

  • Fountain of Living Waters Foursquare Church has opened as an evacuation center at 10120 Johnson Rd., Phelan. The center is offering meals, snacks, hydration items, emotional support, health services and more.
  • San Bernardino County Fairgrounds is accepting evacuees, livestock and large animals at 14800 Seventh St., Victorville. Call (760) 951-2200. Victor Valley Transit is providing transportation services from the fairgrounds evacuation site to the Wal-Mart Super Center from noon to 3 p.m. daily.
  • Mojave Narrows Regional Park is accepting evacuees, livestock and large animals at 18000 Yates Road, Victorville. Call (760) 245-2226.
  • Hesperia Lake Park is accepting evacuees, horses and livestock (must be supervised) at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road, Hesperia. If you are bringing equine/livestock, someone will be required to stay with the animals at all times. Please have your ID to show you are from one of the evacuated areas. Hesperia Lake Park is also seeking volunteers to donate their time and/or supplies. Call (760) 244-5951.
  • Lone Wolf Colony is accepting evacuees for free dry camping at 23200 Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley. Call (760) 247-7878 office or (424) 533-3065 for more information. Generators are recommended. 
  • Jessie Turner Center is accepting evacuees at 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana. Call (909) 854-5100.
  • Devore Animal Shelter is accepting large and small animals at 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino. Call (909) 386-9820.

schoolsWW

Snowline Joint Unified School District Campuses Remain Closed

Snowline Joint Unified School District remains closed until further notice. Neighboring school districts are closely monitoring the situation and will notify parents and employees should they also decide to cancel class.

To stay updated on school closures, click here.


librarieslibrary

Wrightwood and Phelan Memorial Libraries are currently closed due to the Bridge Fire evacuation warnings and orders in the area. Please call ahead before visiting to ensure their current operating hours. 

  • Wrightwood Library: (760) 249-4577
  • Phelan Memorial Library: (760) 868-3053

roadsfire safe

Photo: Wrightwood Fire Safe Council

Highway 2 and Highway 138 Remain Closed in Both Directions

The following roads are closed due to the Bridge Fire:

  • SR-138 from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Beekley Road
  • SR-2 from Big Pines to SR-138
  • Big Pines Highway
  • Big Rock Creek Road

There is no estimated time of reopening. For updated road closures, click here.


waterwater

Golden State Water Company Says Water Will Be Safe to Drink

Golden State Water Company, working with the State Water Resources Control Board, has determined through comprehensive testing that the Wrightwood village's water is safe to drink. It is no longer necessary for residents to consume bottled water.
Before you can resume the use of water and it is safe to drink, you should:

  • Flush all hot and cold-water taps in your home for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Empty your hot water heater by running the hot water until it turns cold. Customers with tankless water heaters should run the hot water for 10 minutes.
  • Dispose of any juice or ice made with tap water.

For more information, call Golden State Water Company’s customer service center 24/7 at 1-800-999-4033 or click here.


air qualityair

MDAQMD Advising of Poor Air Quality Throughout High Desert

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD) is advising of potentially poor air quality in the High Desert of San Bernardino County due to wildfire smoke impacts from the Line and Bridge fires. This advisory remains in effect until further notice depending on firefighting efforts and local weather conditions.

Based on fire growth and firefighting efforts, all communities in the San Bernardino County portion of MDAQMD jurisdiction may be impacted by smoke from both incidents.

Increasing levels of smoke can affect everyone, but it’s particularly unhealthy for those with heart and respiratory illnesses, children, seniors and active adults.

In any area impacted by poor air quality including smoke:

  • everyone should consider avoiding any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion;
  • people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should consider remaining indoors;
  • keep windows and doors closed;
  • run your air conditioner if you have one – recirculation function is ideal;
  • avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing outdoor pollutants inside.
  • Stay informed through the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD).

updatesupdates

Stay Updated on the Bridge Fire Online and on Social Media

Stay updated on the fire's progress via the following websites:

For real-time updates, follow these social media channels on X (formerly Twitter).

safety infoeval

Be Prepared to Evacuate

  • An EVACUATION WARNING means get ready to leave.
  • An EVACUATION ORDER means your life is in danger and you must leave right away. Your cooperation ensures your safety and prevents emergency resources from being pulled away from other critical efforts.

call

Know When to Call 911 or 211

  • For non-emergency needs, such as locating shelter information or finding evacuation routes pertaining to the Bridge Fire, please call 211.
  • You should only call 911 for immediate emergencies. Your cooperation ensures that urgent help is available when needed.

smart911

Sign up for TENS (Smart 911)

Are you registered with the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS), also known as Smart 911? This system allows our County Fire and Sheriff's Departments to send critical updates directly to your phone — such as evacuation orders — during emergencies. Register Now.


powerpower

Be Prepared for SCE Power Outages During Dangerous Weather

To ensure the safety of our communities, Southern California Edison (SCE) may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). These temporary power outages are designed to prevent SCE's electric system from starting fires during dangerous weather.

By being prepared, you can minimize the impact of potential power outages and stay safe during extreme weather conditions.

  • Create a disaster preparedness kit. Include essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food.
  • Stay informed. Visit the SCE Outage Center for the latest updates and sign up for alerts.

donatedonations

Support Bridge Fire Victims 

Support fire victims through the Red Cross. Mention "San Bernardino County Bridge Fire.” Call 211, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 ($10 donation).

San Bernardino County employees are working with partner agencies and members of the community to collect donations for those impacted by the fires. If you would like to contribute to the relief efforts, they are still accepting donations. For more information, please call 211.

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