Residents of Mount Baldy Village in Southern California are left reeling after the devastating Bridge fire tore through their community, destroying an estimated 20 homes and leaving many questioning the response coordination of the firefighting authorities. The fire, which began north of Glendora and gradually spread across San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, has become the largest and highest-priority fire in California, charring more than 52,000 acres by Friday, according to official estimates.

On Tuesday, as strong wind gusts accelerated the fire's progress, locals in Mount Baldy Village were caught off guard by its rapid approach. Despite evacuation orders issued the day before and the closure of the highway, residents had hoped for more time to act. The flames were pushed across several miles of rural countryside, cresting on the ridge overlooking the village and triggering a scramble among those who had not yet evacuated.

Residents rallied together, using any means available to protect their homes and community. Some tapped water from nearby streams and swimming pools, while others ran a hose line through the dining room of the Mt. Baldy Lodge. Trees were doused with water, and neighbors joined forces to help each other in any way they could. Their efforts were valiant, but ultimately, 20 homes were lost to the voracious blaze.

In the aftermath, residents have sought solace and support from each other. Gathering at the Mt. Baldy Lodge, they shared their stories, grabbed cups of coffee, and vented their frustrations. This tight-knit community, nestled in the Angeles National Forest, has united in the face of this unprecedented disaster.

However, as the residents mourn their losses and begin to rebuild their lives, questions have emerged about the coordination of the response to the Bridge fire. David Mix, one of the last to leave the canyon, wondered why emergency crews were unable to save his home. Standing amidst the charred remains, he questioned who was in charge of coordinating the response. Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Cate arrived, leading a group of volunteer firefighters, but Mix simply sought clarification about the decision-making process.

The issue of response coordination is particularly complex for Mount Baldy Village, as it straddles the border of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. With resources from the U.S. Forest Service, it remains unclear which firefighting agencies made decisions as they battled multiple wildfires in the region. Cate affirmed that firefighters were present in the village when the fire swept in. His volunteer company had been monitoring the fire from outside the village but had to hastily return as the flames closed in.

While Mix made it clear that he did not blame Cate or the firefighters for his home's destruction, he emphasized the importance of understanding the overall coordination efforts and finding answers from the responsible parties. With emotions running high and a sense of regret settling in, the community of Mount Baldy Village seeks a sense of closure and reassurance in the wake of this devastating event.

As the Bridge fire continues to burn and evacuation orders remain in place, the residents of Mount Baldy Village are left with the task of rebuilding their lives. In this difficult time, their resilience and determination shine through, reminding us all of the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of tragedy.