A fast-moving fire in San Bernardino County threatened several homes on Tuesday evening, August 27, 2024 before firefighters successfully gained control of the blaze. The Johnson Fire, started near the intersection of Johnson Road and Snow Line Dr. in Phelan around 6 p.m., as reported by the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCFD).
Firefighters found that the fire had already burned five acres of brush and was burning at a moderate to rapid rate of spread toward the desert floor. Strong afternoon winds contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, which are typical this time of year in the Tri-Community.
Crews quickly began efforts to protect nearby structures, deploying ground teams and using water-dropping aircraft to combat the flames. Three helicopters and several air tankers were mobilized to make multiple water and retardant drops, effectively slowing the fire’s advance. As the fire expanded to approximately 15 acres, additional resources, including more aircraft and hand crews, were requested to assist in containing the blaze. By 6:30 p.m., the firefighting effort intensified with the number of aircraft orders doubled, and five additional Type 3 engines were deployed to bolster ground operations.
By 7:30 p.m., the combined efforts of ground and air support successfully halted the forward progress of the fire. The fire had grown to 67.3 acres as determined by mapping technology from the Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System (FIRIS) which was used to determine the fire’s perimeter, providing up-to-date information on the fire’s location and movement. This advanced mapping helped firefighters strategize their response.
By Wednesday morning, the fire had grown to 72 acres, and containment had increased to 35 percent. By the evening, it was reported to be 90 percent contained, and firefighters continued to work diligently to control the remaining hot spots. By Thursday morning, the fire was fully contained.
No homes were damaged, and no injuries were reported. Fire crews remained in the area overnight to extinguish any flare-ups, and several roads, including Snow Line Drive between Johnson Road and Valle Vista Road, and Johnson Road between Snow Line Drive and Mesquite Street, were closed to allow firefighters to continue their work safely.
The cause of the Johnson Fire is still under investigation. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and stay informed, especially during this time of the year.
