California Firefighters Battle To Protect Homes From “Sheep Fire”

San Bernardino County, CA (AHN) – A wildfire that has shut down the Snowline School District in California has grown to 7,500 acres but firefighters are optimistic the blaze won’t spread to a residential area that has been evacuated.

The Sheep Fire, so called because it started near Sheep Canyon Road at about 2:11 pm on Saturday, is currently burning near the top of Lone Pine Canyon, about a quarter of a mile from Highway 2 and homes in that area.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Containment is now at 20 percent, and firefighters are focused on completing a fireline to protect homes in Wrightwood and to keep the blaze from crossing Highway 2 and Highway 138.

About 1,300 firefighters from several agencies including the U.S. Forest Service and the San Bernardino Fire Department are working to contain the blaze using 125 engines, nine water tenders, six helicopter and 11 air tankers.

Mandatory evacuations are still in place in Lone Pine Canyon, Swarthout, Wrightwood and the eastern side of Lytle Creek Road. Evacuation centers are at Eisenhower High School in Rialto and at Victorville Fairgrounds.

Highway 2, Highway 138 between I-15 and Highway 2, and Lone Pine Canyon Road remain closed.

A shelter is open for small animals at the Devore Animal Shelter. Large animals can be brought to the Victorville Fairgrounds.

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