As Line Fire keeps growing, mandatory evacuations ordered in San Bernardino County

Authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order Saturday morning as the Line Fire continues to burn in San Bernardino County after scorching more than 3,800 acres.

About 500 firefighters are battling the flames as the wildfire has burned through 3,832 acres while still remaining 0% contained, the San Bernardino National Forest said in an update at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Two hours later, the San Bernardino County Sheriff announced a mandatory evacuation order for homes near the growing blaze.

The wildfire has been burning near Highland, and on Friday, some residents said they could see it from their homes. 

"The flames were right up on us because the wind shifted," said Brian Gano, who lives in Highland.

The wildfire first sparked along Baseline Road around 6 p.m. on Thursday. It scorched through several hundred more acres before exploding over Friday night and surpassing 3,000 acres. By Saturday morning, it had reached nearly 4,000 acres. 

Evacuation warnings have been in place for the past two days but authorities issued a mandatory order telling residents to flee for the first time on Saturday. It is in effect for an area stretching from Calle Del Rio to Highway 38, including Greenspot Road North.

Later, sheriff's officials announced more evacuations just before noon, with an order in effect for all undeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue. 

As for road closures, authorities said Baseline Road is shut down from Fairwood to Brockwood for firefighting operations. "All residents can get to and from the area but must follow the detour instructions," authorities said in an update about the fire Saturday. Aurantia Park in Highland is also closed to the general public.

Check back for updates to this developing story.