Apple Valley fire ignited from controlled burn; evacuations lifted
Firefighters work to save a home Tuesday from the River Bottom fire near Hesperia and Apple Valley.
Several dozen San Bernardino County residents were allowed to return home Tuesday after being evacuated when a fast-moving brush fire caused by a controlled burn got out of hand due to high winds.
The Apple Valley fire was first reported about noon in Mojave Narrows Park -- on the border between Apple Valley and Victorville, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Initially growing to about 60 acres within two hours, officials said Tuesday night that the fire was holding at about 70 acres and the blaze was 30% contained. By 7 p.m., all mandatory evacuations had been lifted, officials said.
San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig said he anticipated the blaze would be fully contained Wednesday, weather permitting.
The blaze ignited during a controlled burn in Mojave Narrows Park by the county parks department to clear out cattails, officials said. Winds whipped the flames out of control.
Hartwig said a permit had been issued for the controlled burn.
“No homes were lost due to great brush clearance around homes,” he said, adding that the fire should serve as a reminder to all homeowners about the importance of fire mitigation.
One vehicle and one shed were destroyed in the fire, officials said.
About 200 firefighters, two bulldozers and four airships were used to fight the blaze, officials said.
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