Blue Cut Fire Update; 96 Homes Lost in Blaze

CLAREMONT, CA—In the San Gabriel mountains behind Claremont and La Verne, the smoke clouds no longer look quite like Armageddon. Firefighters are working to quell the blaze that began three days ago when the Blue Cut Fire raced through the Cajon Pass. Now, fire officials state that 96 homes and 213 outbuildings have been destroyed since the fire broke out on Aug. 16.

Over 1,500 firefighters remain assigned to the incident, however officials say they were able to increase containment on the blaze overnight.

The so-called Blue Cut Fire has burned 37,000 acres-- more than 57 square miles-- since it first broke out around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to federal firefighting officials. It is 26 percent contained.

Though a lot of progress was made Thursday with slowing the fire's spread, officials say 34,500 structures are still threatened in the communities of Wrightwood, Oak Hills, Phelan, Lytle Creek, Baldy Mesa, West Cajon Valley, South Hesperia, and Summit Valley.

Forest Service officials say the fire is the most active in the Gobbler's Peak portion south of Wrightwood.

"Structures are known to have been damaged or destroyed but cannot currently be assessed due to the extreme fire behavior and growth," the U.S. Forest Service reports on InciWeb. "A Damage Assessment Team (DAT) has been ordered to assist."

Interstate 15 is open in both directions through the Cajon Pass, but officials are urging motorists to drive with caution through the area, as some equipment is still nearby.

Some mandatory evacuations remain in place for area residents, but some have also been lifted. As of Thursday evening, the mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the areas west of I-15 to Baldy Mesa Road, south of Phelan Road to Whitehaven St. and Praire Trail, expired.

"We ask that residents returning to the evacuation zone exercise caution," the U.S.F.S. said in a statement. "Firefighters, engines, and heavy equipment continue to operate in the area. The San Bernardino County Sheriff will continue enhanced patrols through these areas with additional units."

Roads in the San Gabriel Mountains, such as Glendora Mountain Road, are closed through Monday due to high ongoing fire danger and red flag warnings.

(Photo: The Blue Cut Fire burns near Lytle Creek on Aug. 17, 2016. Contributed Image.)