Evacuation orders lifted as wind-driven Old Water Fire burns 75 acres in San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Evacuation orders were lifted and traffic was opened in both directions near Highway 18 and 40th street after a wildfire sparked Thursday morning. 

The fire was 30% contained with 75 acres burned. 

The Old Water Fire was reported near Old Waterman Canyon Road at Highway 18 around 2:15 a.m., San Bernardino County Fire said. Arriving fire officials estimated the wind-driven fire was initially at 30-35 acres and quickly ballooned to 75 acres with the potential for more growth as Santa Ana winds picked up. Firefighters were able to stop the forward progress of the blaze, according to San Bernardino National Forest. 

Some residents were under mandatory evacuation orders as winds reached gusts up to 50 mph on the hilltops. 

Voluntary evacuations were lifted around 1 p.m. According to the fire department at 8 p.m., all evacuation areas reopened to residents with proper identification. 

A reported 400 firefighters, 50 engines, 1 dozer, 5 crews, 3 water tenders, 1 helicopter, and 1 air attack fixed wing were on scene fighting the blaze. 

San Bernardino National Forest was the lead agency handling the fire. 

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents in 83 homes located east of Waterman Avenue, north of 40th Street, and west of Harrison Canyon Road. 

Highway 18 was closed between 40th Street in San Bernardino and Highway 168 in Crestline.

Lake Gregory Drive was also closed at Highway 18. 

Voluntary evacuations were issued for all homes north of Foothill Drive between Del Rose Avenue and Manzanita Drive in San Bernardino and were lifted just before noon. 

All evacuaiton orders were lifted by Thursday night. 

An evacuation center was established for evacuees at San Gorgonio High School at 2299 Pacific Street, San Bernardino, CA 92404.

The San Bernardino City Animal Control located at 333 Chandler Place, San Bernardino, CA 92408 announced they would temporarily take in smaller animals.

Those with horses or livestock were asked to contact animal control for further information by calling 909-384-1304.

The public can call the public information call center at 909-383-5688. 

The cause of the fire was under investigation. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.