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The Blue Cut Fire Has Destroyed Nearly 100 Homes So Far
San Bernardino's massive Blue Cut Fire, which broke out Tuesday and has since spread to more than 37,000 acres, has destroyed 96 homes in its path.
ABC-7 reports that in addition to the residences, 213 outbuildings (a barn, garage, or shed-type of structure) have also been ravaged by the flames. Fire crews told ABC that "the blaze tore through like a tornado."
The L.A. Times has been chronicling some of the sad stories to emerge from the fire's destruction. A Korean church, including 10 of its buildings, was burned to the ground. Another woman realized she lost 135 animals from her livestock after returning home Thursday afternoon.
According to ABC, some residents who live in areas east of Interstate 15 were allowed to return to their homes on Thursday, but as of Friday afternoon, about 34,500 homes still remain under mandatory evacuation orders. Power outages are keeping people from returning home: a spokesperson from Southern California Edison said that they need to replace more than 300 fallen power poles and miles of wire, but can't do so until fire danger has passed.
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The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department also arrested three people on suspicion of attempted looting and grand theft at one of the evacuation areas.
KPCC reports that the Blue Cut fire is "among the most destructive" fires in California this year, behind the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County, the Erskine Fire in Kern County, and last month's eerie sky-producing Sand Fire. So far, as of Friday afternoon, it is at 26% containment.
Related:
Photos: Smoke From The Blue Cut Fire As Seen From Space
Iconic Route 66 Diner Destroyed In Blue Cut Fire
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