SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Firefighters successfully halted a fast-moving brush fire in the Cajon Pass on Monday after it scorched over five acres and destroyed two outbuildings.
Quick Response in the Cajon Pass
The Cajon Fire erupted around 11:00 a.m. near an abandoned structure off Cajon Boulevard, just north of Kenwood. High offshore winds threatened to push the flames out of control rapidly.
Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit crews acted aggressively, taking about an hour to establish a hose line around the perimeter. Forward progress was officially stopped by 1:00 p.m. at just over five acres. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Wind Threats and Damage
Despite mild temperatures in the mid-70s, powerful wind gusts created dangerous conditions for flying embers. Fire officials noted that under these conditions, even a tiny spark can quickly balloon into a massive blaze spanning thousands of acres.
While crews prevented a catastrophic spread, the fire managed to completely destroy two outbuildings before it was contained.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, authorities confirmed that several people are being questioned. Investigators are currently looking into two potential points of origin nearby:
- A homeless encampment located close to where the fire started.
- An active marijuana grow operation in the immediate area.
Crews remained on the scene for several hours Monday afternoon to mop up remaining hot spots and ensure no flare-ups occurred.
