FONTANA, California – Nearly 200 firefighters from San Bernardino and Riverside Counties battled a massive blaze in Fontana on Sunday, adding to the string of wildfires plaguing Southern California. The fire, known as the Sierra fire, quickly spread across 400 acres, posing a threat to nearby structures. By evening, the fire was 80% contained, thanks to the relentless efforts of the firefighters.
In Fresno County, further north, the Basin fire was one of the largest wildfires in the state, growing exponentially as brutal temperatures loomed over California’s inland areas. The escalating fires across the state underscored the heightened fire danger brought on by the scorching heat wave.
Despite the potential danger, no structures were damaged in Fontana on Sunday, though officials had cautioned about the possibility. By late evening, the firefighters managed to mitigate the threat to structures and focused on securing containment lines. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The cause of the Sierra fire remains unknown, prompting officials to remind residents to exercise caution during the record-high temperatures. Dry conditions in Southern California create a volatile environment, where even a small spark could ignite a devastating blaze. Fire officials emphasized the importance of preventive measures to minimize the risk to homeowners.
The Fontana wildfire was just one of many blazes that erupted across the state over the weekend, with more than a dozen fires reported. In Riverside County, a fire in Moreno Valley scorched over 200 acres, adding to the extensive damage caused by the wildfires. The Basin fire in Fresno County, which ignited on Wednesday, had already destroyed nearly 12,000 acres by Sunday night, with no containment in sight.
Amid the ongoing fire crisis in California, firefighting teams continued their relentless efforts to contain the wildfires and protect communities from the raging infernos. The relentless combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and gusty winds posed a formidable challenge for firefighters as they battled to gain control over the escalating blazes.