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News

Massive Wildfire Burns Cars And Trucks On Main Route To Vegas From L.A.

By  Carman Tse
Published Jul 17, 2015 11:00 PM

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A 2,000-acre wildfire in San Bernardino County has engulfed the Cajon Pass, creating an apocalyptic scene as cars and trucks burn on the 15 freeway.

The so-called "North Fire" started around 2:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon near the junction of the 15 freeway and State Route 138 and through high winds and dry conditions it spread to its current size and even jumped the freeway and set vehicles on fire.

According to KTLA, mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the Baldy Creek area. Structures in Baldy Mesa, Oak Hills and Phelan are all also under threat from the fire.

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The 15 freeway, usually heavily crowded on Fridays due to people driving to Las Vegas, was closed shortly after the fire broke out and several abandoned cars and trucks have been destroyed in the flames. A boat being towed also caught on fire. According to the CHP, around 70 to 80 vehicles were abandoned on the freeway, many without their keys. Authorities are trying to clear the roadway in order to aid the firefighters.

Aerial water drops were temporarily suspended earlier this afternoon when firefighters were grounded because some jerk was flying their drone in the area. A situation they're, unfortunately, all too familiar with.

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