SAN BERNARDINO, CA – More than 150 firefighters battled a rapid hillside brush fire Friday evening that threatened a residential community directly east of California State University, San Bernardino.
Rapid Spread Near Homes
The blaze erupted around 6:00 p.m. behind a residential neighborhood near the intersection of I Street and 59th Street. Burning through a “medium” fuel source, the fire quickly raced across the hillside, with dramatic footage showing flames towering over nearby homes.
Thanks to an aggressive response from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, crews successfully stopped the forward spread of the fire.
Containment Efforts and Damage
The fire is currently estimated at 23.5 acres with 30% containment. Fire officials confirmed that while the spread has been halted, roughly 150 firefighters will remain on the scene throughout the night to reinforce containment lines and extinguish hot spots.
No injuries or structural damage to the university or surrounding homes have been reported.
Accidental Cause Identified
San Bernardino County Fire investigators have already determined the cause of the blaze. Officials stated the fire was accidentally sparked by an off-road vehicle operating in the brush along the hillside.
Residents in the immediate area are advised to stay alert as emergency vehicles and heavy equipment continue to operate in the neighborhood overnight.
