Fire In San Bernardino National Forest Threatens Homes

WATERMAN CANYON, CA — A forest fire burning north of the San Gorgonio Pass was quickly spreading and threatening homes, before crews began to make progress, fire officials said Monday.

The blaze was reported around 11 a.m. Monday on Old Waterman Canyon Road, off Highway 18, in Waterman Canyon.

Dubbed the Peak Fire, the blaze burning in the San Bernardino National Forest had charred 34 acres as of 1 p.m. and forced the closure of Highway 18 from Highway 138 down to 40th Street, according to SBNF officials.

Additionally, all north- and southbound traffic was closed at Waterman Avenue and 40th Street, as well as Waterman Avenue and 48th Street, the San Bernardino Police Department reported.

Along with road closures, there was also "an immediate structure threat," SBNF officials said.

At around 2 p.m., SBNF officials announced crews had halted the fire's spread.

One firefighter was being treated for heat-related injuries amid a heat wave that is bringing triple-digit temperatures to the region.

About 150 firefighters and 14 aircraft were battling the blaze.

There is no word on what caused the fire or when crews would get full containment.

SBNF fire crews were working in unified command with Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department.