Drought-stricken California has been hit with waves of wildfires this summer, fueled by dry conditions, heat and dead brush.
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Two of those firefighters were taken to the hospital, but both were released and returned to the fire line, according to San Bernardino County Fire Department spokeswoman Tracey Martinez.
The devastating fire, which destroyed several structures and homes including the historic Summit Inn at the top of the Cajon Pass – quickly exploded, consuming 30,000 acres, or almost 47 square miles, in less than 24 hours.
California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Tuesday in San Bernardino County.
Tens of thousands of homes are now at risk from what has been named the Bluecut fire.
Earlier in the day, six firefighters were trapped by the wildfire but were able to find shelter at a nearby structure, according to San Bernardino County Fire.
At Blue Mountain Farms, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles in the town of Phelan, ranchers had to face the reality that a wildfire was burning in their area for the second time in two years.
The fire began as a small patch of flames beside Interstate 15 but quickly built into a ferocious blaze of 28 square miles.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with starting the blaze.
Tolmachoff said it was rare to have so many people evacuated.
“It is my pleasure to announce the arrest of Damian Anthony Pashilk on seventeen counts of arson”, said Sheriff of Lake County Brian L. Martin.
Elsewhere in drought-parched California, a wildfire exploding through canyons about 60 miles east of Los Angeles shut down a portion of the main highway between the region and Las Vegas, burned ranch buildings and prompted evacuations.
The Chimney Fire was 20 percent contained by Tuesday evening, after scorching 6,900 acres (2,792 hectares) since Saturday. It had consumed 4,000 acres by Tuesday night, destroying at least 175 homes and businesses.
As that fire surged, a major blaze north of San Francisco was fading and some 4,000 people in the town of Clearlake were allowed to return home. One fire engine sustained moderate fire damage. The blaze is now 35 percent contained. He had issued emergency declarations on Monday for the Clayton Fire and another in Central California, the Chimney Fire.
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Roughly 1,600 firefighters are battling the blaze Tuesday through warm temperatures and light winds.
