KTLA

University Fire in San Bernardino 50% contained; evacuations lifted

A brush fire that has charred 50 to 100 acres in San Bernardino and prompted evacuation orders near the 215 and 210 freeways is 50% contained, officials said.

The University Fire was reported just after noon near the University Parkway exit of the 215 Freeway, San Bernardino County Fire Department officials said.


By 2:50 p.m., firefighters appeared to be gaining the upper hand on the blaze, with its forward rate of spread “slowed,” the Fire Department tweeted.

About 100 homes remain threatened. Evacuation orders were in place for homes east of North State Street, south of and including residences on Morgan Road, west of and including Pepperdine Drive and south to Grossmont Road. The orders were lifted about 4:15 p.m.

A reception center was set up for evacuees at 6707 Little League Drive.

The blaze at one point threatened a dialysis center, but all 23 patients were able to get out of the building safely, officials said.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department aviation unit was been conducting water drops on the fire. Light to medium brush was burning in the steep terrain above homes in the area, aerial video from Sky5 showed.

CalFire, as well as the San Manuel and Colton fire departments, were assisting in the blaze.