Firefighters continue to make progress on Blue Cut fire, Lytle Creek evacuation orders lifted

SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS >> The Blue Cut fire continued to burn Sunday morning and fire officials say they’ve made progress on the blaze’s containment.

The fire didn’t grow beyond 37,020 acres overnight and was 83 percent contained by 7 a.m. according a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.

As of Sunday morning, officials with U.S. Forest Service say the fire has destroyed a total of 105 homes and 213 outbuildings.

• Photos: Firefighters gain upper hand on Blue Cut fire moving into day 6

The only other community still under mandatory evacuation is Lytle Creek, according to the news release. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said in a tweet that Lytle Creek residents would be allowed back in at 10 a.m.

Those with verification of residency can access the area at the closure at Sierra Way and Lytle Creek Road.

Some 1,800 evacuees were expected to return to their homes in the community of Wrightwood Saturday, when the evacuation order was downgraded from mandatory to voluntary. Only verified residents are allowed back in the area.

These road closures remain in effect as of 7 a.m. Sunday:

• Highway 138 is closed from the 15 Freeway to Highway 2

• Highway 2 is closed from the Los Angeles County line to Highway 138

• Old Cajon Boulevard north of Devore

• Lytle Creek Road at Glen Helen Parkway

• Lone Pine Canyon Road from East Canyon Drive through Highway 138

• Swarthout Canyon Road to Cajon Boulevard

The fire ignited Aug. 16 about 10:45 a.m., though the cause is still being investigated. Fire officials have asked for the public’s assistance pinpointing the cause. Anyone with information can call 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com to submit an online tip.

Firefighters’ plan for Sunday consisted mostly of mop-up efforts and continuing to contain the fire, the U.S. Forest Service release said. Southern California Edison would remain in the mountains repairing and replacing damaged power lines throughout the day.

A number of local officials met in Devore Sunday morning to tour the devastation and to meet firefighters, including Assemblyman Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley; Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, R-Rancho Cucamonga; Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale; Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, R-Big Bear Lake; Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown, D-San Bernardino; and Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga.

• Day 5 Coverage: Wrightwood evacuees return home as Blue Cut fire growth halted

During a briefing, Forest Service officials called the fire “unprecedented” in its growth early on. They said containing and putting out the fire are just the first steps in what will be a long road for the area that has burned.

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“Our cycle is fire, rain, flood, debris flows,” said Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron.

Officials estimate the impact from this fire will last the next three to five years.

The briefing made its way to the now-charred Summit I. After the smoke had cleared, the building was blackened. Only the structure’s skeleton remained on some parts.

“By the time we got back here, the Summit I was fully involved,” said Shane Littlefield of Cal Fire. “We didn’t even have a chance to save it.”