San Bernardino County, CA, August 22, 2016 – Effective Sunday, August 21st, at 4:00 p.m., the evacuation orders for Wrightwood, Swarthout Canyon, Lone Pine Canyon, West Cajon Valley and Lytle Creek have all been lifted. RESIDENTS ONLY will be allowed past the road closures. Some residents returning to their homes may find that they are without electricity. Southern California Edison is working diligently to restore utilities.
Residents returning to the evacuation zone should exercise caution. Firefighters, engines, and heavy equipment continue to operate in the area. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will continue enhanced patrols through these areas with additional units.
Hwy 138 is open to residents only from Hwy 2 to Stone Basin Road. Hwy 138 at Stone Basin Road to Interstate 15 is closed to allow emergency equipment in the area to replace power poles affected by the fire. Lone Pine Canyon Road at Swarthout Canyon Road to Hwy 138 is closed. US Forest Road 3N31 at Lone Pine Canyon Road is closed. The dirt road portion of Lytle Creek Road is closed from the gun range into the forest.
The fire is currently 37,020 acres with 89% containment. 1,223 personnel are assigned to the fire. A Damage Assessment Team working under the Blue Cut Fire Unified Command announced that a preliminary estimate of 105 single family residences and 216 outbuildings were destroyed by the Blue Cut Fire.
Calfire and all the agencies involved wish to thank all the people who adhered to the evacuation orders. The Blue Cut Fire no longer poses a threat to communities. The Blue Cut Fire was an aggressive, explosive fire that destroyed many residences and other property. The safety of the citizens of this county has been the Unified Incident Commanders’ top concern.
