On June 9, 2021, San Bernardino County Fire crews were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire near Caliente Road and Ranchero Road in Hesperia. Multiple 911 callers stated they saw vegetation on fire in the area. CALFIRE and the United States Forest Service also sent a full response due to the fire being a threat to their Direct Protection Area (DPA).
Fire crews arrived to find ¼ acre fire in medium fuels burning with a moderate rate of spread. While firefighters initiated perimeter control, high winds quickly spread the fire north. Due to the critical rate of spread a second alarm and air assets were quickly ordered to assist. San Bernardino County Fire and CALFIRE worked hand-in-hand as a unified command to manage the fire. The wind-driven fire continued to burn rapidly towards multiple groups of homes. Arriving engine crews were deployed to nearby homes to provide structure defense.
The fire continued to burn north along a large drainage, ultimately spreading to 250 acres by nightfall. By 8:00 pm, the forward rate of spread had been stopped. No homes were damaged by the fast-moving wildfire. Firefighters remained on scene throughout the evening, working on line construction and mop-up. By morning, the containment percentage had jumped to 90%. The next day more than 50 firefighters continued to work on mop-up and containment line reinforcement. The fire’s cause is under investigation by fire investigators.
San Bernardino County Fire responded with 16 Engines, 4 Water Tenders, 2 Hand Crews, a Dozer, 5 Chief Officers, and multiple overhead personnel. CALFIRE San Bernardino Unit sent a full response including Engines, Fixed and Rotor Wing Aircraft, Hand Crews, and multiple Chief Officers. USFS San Bernardino National Forest also sent a full ground response. Victorville and Apple Valley Fire also assisted.
