El Dorado Fire: 7,050 Acres Burned, 3,000 People Evacuated In Yucaipa

A brush fire that erupted in Yucaipa, California, on Saturday has spread across 7,050 acres and is continuing to burn in extreme weather conditions as of Sunday. The fast-moving fire prompted evacuations in many areas.

The fire erupted around 10.30 a.m. EDT at El Dorado Ranch Park and, by Saturday evening, more than 3,000 residents were evacuated. The flames consumed 3,010 acres by 10.30 a.m. Sunday and increased to more than double the size by sunset. Nearly 600 deployed firefighters were able to contain 5% of the fire as of 7 p.m. EDT, according to Redlands Daily Facts.

The El Dorado Fire had swept up to the south side Yucaipa Ridge, above the communities of Oak Glen, and the North Bench area of Yucaipa. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection issued an evacuation order for the community of Oak Glen through Wildwood Canyon Rd. Shortly before 1.30 p.m. EDT, evacuation orders were expanded to Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls and North Bench, the San Bernardino County Fire officials said in a statement.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom had declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County late Sunday typically due to the El Dorado fire, and in San Diego, Fresno, Madera and Mariposa counties due to the other active wildfires.

The Cal Fire San Bernardino Unit said the blaze was caused by “a smoke generating pyrotechnic device” used during a gender reveal party in the park. The fire stemmed from the park before spreading to the Yucaipa Ridge.

“Cal Fire reminds the public that with the dry conditions and critical fire weather, it doesn’t take much to start a wildfire. Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially and criminally responsible,” the agency said in the statement.

The fire also prompted road closures, including Highway 38 at Bryant Street in Yucaipa and the community of Angelus Oaks, and Oak Glen Road between Pine Bench Road and Cherry Croft Drive.

New evacuation orders were issued Sunday and the San Gorgonio Wilderness was partially closed, while the hikers were asked to leave. No injuries tied to the El Dorado fire were reported and officials didn’t immediately release details whether structural damage was caused.