Fast-moving brush fire burns homes in Southern California

Multiple homes were damaged or destroyed in a fast-moving brush fire in Southern California before firefighters managed to stop its progress, authorities said on Tuesday.

The brush fire, dubbed the Edgehill Fire, started after 2:30 p.m. on Monday in the area of the 3300 block of Beverly Drive in San Bernardino County, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District.

Evacuation orders were issued for residents in nearby neighborhoods as the blaze spread rapidly due to high temperatures and dry conditions.

The fire was holding at 54 acres (about 0.22 sq km) as of Tuesday morning, said the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District in an update on social media platform X, adding that, "Firefighters took advantage of overnight lower temperatures and were able to increase containment to 75 percent."

Officials said that damage assessment teams have begun their survey of the community to determine the number and degree of structures damaged.

"Smoke will be visible, especially as we move into the afternoon hours," they added in the update.

The fire damaged at least four homes and destroyed at least two more, reported local news outlet The San Bernardino Sun, citing officials.

"One firefighter received minor injuries, and no civilians were injured," said the San Bernardino Police Department in a post on X, adding that fire personnel and law enforcement will remain in the affected area on Tuesday as high temperatures are expected to continue with an excessive heat warning.

(Cover: A firefighter hoses down the ground in front of a fully engulfed home to keep the Edgehill Fire from spreading to another residence in San Bernardino, California, U.S., August 5, 2024. /CFP)