The Line Fire in San Bernardino County has rapidly grown, expanding beyond 7,100 acres on Saturday, triggering mandatory evacuations in the area. CAL FIRE and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials issued evacuation orders for certain neighborhoods, while others remained under evacuation warnings. The fire, which started on Thursday near Baseline and Alpin streets, swelled from 1,200 acres on Friday night to its current size on Saturday afternoon.

As the blaze burned through grass and chaparral, it exhibited uphill runs and spotting out in front of itself, posing a significant challenge to the more than 500 firefighters battling the flames. The authorities expressed concerns about the potential for further fire growth as the Line Fire continued its northeasterly path.

In response to the growing threat, both directions of Highway 330 were closed indefinitely between Highland Avenue in Highland and Highway 18 in Running Springs. Officials set up a base of operations at Aurantia Park, which was closed to the public, to coordinate firefighting efforts effectively.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued on Saturday morning for residents living between Calle Del Rio and Garnet Road, as well as between Highway 38 and Greenspot Road. Residents in the affected area were advised to evacuate immediately. Evacuation orders were also issued for undeveloped land east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue. Additionally, evacuation warnings were in place for neighborhoods east of Church Street and north of Highland Avenue, as well as east of Weaver Street and north of Greenspot Road to the Iron Bridge. The Running Springs area east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18 was also under an evacuation warning.

In response to the evacuations, an evacuation center was established at Immanuel Baptist Church on Baseline Street, where American Red Cross volunteers provided support and resources for evacuees. For residents in need of temporary shelter for their pets, the Devore Animal Shelter at 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino was designated as a drop-off location.

Firefighters continued to combat the Line Fire amidst challenging conditions, including triple-digit heat and low relative humidity levels. The National Weather Service predicted a slight chance of thunderstorms and showers in the area over the weekend. An Excessive Heat Warning was also in effect until Monday evening.

The cause of the Line Fire remains under investigation as authorities work to contain and suppress the flames. No structure damage or injuries have been reported thus far, but the fire's rapid growth and dynamic behavior have heightened concerns in the affected communities. Firefighters and emergency responders remain dedicated to protecting lives and property, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and updates from officials as the situation unfolds.