Sierra Fire: New Blaze Erupts In San Bernardino County

RIALTO, CA -- Firefighters had a new battle on their hands Wednesday morning after a blaze erupted Tuesday night in Rialto, quickly growing to 147 acres with the help of strong Santa Ana winds.

Dubbed the Sierra Fire, the fire began at three acres before growing to 20 acres. By Wednesday morning, fire officials reported the blaze had burned 147 acres because of "relentless" 50 miles-per-hour winds, the San Bernardino County Fire District said.

Fire officials said the fire was 75 percent contained Wednesday morning.

No evacuations were ordered but media reports indicated many residents self-evacuated. Crews were also monitoring nearby neighborhoods for embers.

Riverside Avenue between Sierra and Locust avenues was closed.

The Sierra Fire is the most recent wildfire to erupt in California as the state mourns the loss of 50 people with the death toll expected to rise. More than 200,000 acres have burned in the Camp, Hill and Woolsey fires, taking with it thousands of homes and commercial buildings.

Strong gusts are expected to continue Wednesday with utilities turning off the power in several cities with the hope of preventing anymore disasters.

No other information about the Sierra Fire was immediately available.

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