Devore Fire Update

San Bernardino, CA, November 5, 2012, 8:50pm – Firefighters quickly responded to the report of a wildfire in Cajon Pass just before 11:00 am on Monday. The Devore Fire started at 10:55 am and it burned 350 acres north of the Kenwood Exit on Interstate 15. Firefighters from the US Forest Service, CalFire, San Bernardino County Fire, and several fire agencies throughout San Bernardino County responded, taking immediate, aggressive and decisive actions to battle the blaze. The fire is currently 5% contained and full containment is expected by 6:00 pm on November 6. Anticipating the hot, dry, and windy weather early this week, the US Forest Service sent two hotshot crews, three hand crews, and 15 engines from northern CA forests to supplement fire coverage in southern California. These resources, totaling approximately 175 personnel, were mobilized through the Northern California Coordination Center in Redding. CalTrans and CHP have opened 2 lanes each direction of Interstate 15 – motorists are urged to be cautious and delay travel if possible as traffic will be heavy into the evening hours. The 215 Freeway is closed to northbound traffic at the Palm/Kendall Exit. Motorists are urged to delay travel through the Cajon Pass if possible as traffic is expected to be heavy into the evening hours. Mandatory evacuations are still in place for residents in Matthews Ranch. The fire is being managed under unified command by the US Forest Service, CalFire, San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff’s department. The cause of the fire is under investigation.