KTLA

Sheep Fire: Evacuations ordered due to increased fire activity in Wrightwood

Evacuation orders have been issued for residents near a brush fire burning since Saturday in Wrightwood.

The Sheep Fire has burned 990 acres and is currently 5% contained as of Sunday night.


The brush fire, which was reported after 8 p.m. Saturday, began as a 3-to-5-acre fire, according to the Angeles National Forest, but grew to 35 acres as the evening went on.

As of 8 a.m. Sunday, firefighters were able to create some containment around the blaze while keeping the fire from growing in size. But in the afternoon, fire conditions began to shift and the fire exploded in size to 150 acres and began threatening homes.

Evacuations were issued for residents in the Desert Front and Wild Horse Canyon area north of Wrightwood, SBCoFD officials said.

“Evacuation orders now also in place from Wright Road to Lone pine. Additionally, all of Wrightwood is under an evacuation warning,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Sunday afternoon on Twitter.

Law enforcement officers were going door to door to contact residents and inform them of the orders.

An evacuation center has been established at Serrano High School at 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan. Evacuated animals, including pets and livestock, can be taken to Devore Animal Shelter at 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino, according to San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control.

Highway 2 remains shut down from Highway 138 to the Sheep Creek area, fire officials said. Another closure is in place on Highway 138 to Lone Pine Canyon Road.

Despite the new evacuation orders, no injuries have been reported and no structures have been damaged by the brush fire.

Cal Fire, SBCoFD and firefighters from the Angeles National Forest are in unified command, and 200 firefighters are working together to put out the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

For continued updates on the Sheep Fire, click here.