Jan Young
InstantRiverside.com
Shortly before 2:00 p.m. on July 9th, a wildfire was reported in Waterman Canyon in San Bernardino. Dubbed the ‘Panorama Fire’, it burned 75 acres near Panorama Point on State Highway 18 and was reported at 30% containment. 263 firefighters, 23 engines, and 4 helicopters from the US Forest Service, San Bernardino City Fire, CalFire, San Bernardino County Fire, San Manuel Fire, Rialto Fire, and Crest Forest Fire were assigned in an effort to hold it to 75 acres. Air tankers were on stand-by if needed.
State Highway 18 was closed to all traffic between 40th Street in San Bernardino and Highway 138 near Crestline. Motorists detoured on Highway 330 or Highway 138 from Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass.
Voluntary evacuations were in place for residents along Old Waterman Canyon Road, which was reopened at 6:15 p.m.
With the steep and rugged terrain, three firefighters suffered heat-related injuries in the 100 degree heat and were transported to local area hospitals.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Bernardino City Fire Department at 909-384-5777.
District Ranger Gabe Garcia commented, “Firefighters did an excellent job today, considering the high temperatures and low humidity in Southern California today. We want to remind the public to be extra cautious, and report any suspicious activity.”
Monday, July 9, 2012
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