Oro Grande's 'National Fire' continues to burn on Monday, structures damaged
Firefighters on Monday continue to battle a wind-driven vegetation fire that started Sunday night near the Mojave River and across from the CalPortland Oro Grande Cement Plant, north of Victorville.
Firefighters responded to the National Fire at 6:21 p.m. Sunday in the 19400 block of National Trails Highway in Oro Grande, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The fire area is located between the Mojave River and the highway, also known as Old Route 66.
On Monday afternoon, the fire had reached nearly 42 acres, with 5% containment, according to the state-run Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System Program.
County fire reported that at the height of the fire, more than 100 personnel were assigned to the incident. As of Monday morning, ground and air assets continued to extend and improve containment lines, effect perimeter control and perform mop-up operations.
The fire is burning in dense, dead and downed vegetation in swamp-like conditions of the river bottom. Two vacant/uninhabited mobile homes and a previously burned structure have been damaged by the fire, county firefighters stated.
Evacuations remain in place for residents on the west side of National Trails Highway between Mill Street and Polish Lane adjacent to the incident, which affects nearly 50 residents, none of whom have requested assistance with shelter, fire officials stated.
Schools, public transportation
On Monday, National Trails Highway remained closed in both directions. The Victor Valley Transit Authority's Bus Route 22 was also suspended for the day.
Due to smoke, schools were closed on Monday, including Oro Grande Elementary, Riverside Prep Middle and High schools, fire officials stated.
All campuses will not be in session tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14, according to Oro Grande School District officials, who said they've been in contact with fire officials.
While firefighters have made progress trying to contain the fire, "High winds on Monday afternoon have hindered their efforts with the expectation of National Trails Highway remaining closed near our campuses school," district officials stated.
Power outages exist in the area, with Southern California Edison working to replace damaged power lines and to restore service.
Assisting agencies include Cal Fire, Apple Valley Fire, Victorville Fire, and the Bureau of Land Management California Desert District.
Sunday
By 8:25 p.m. Sunday, several fire agencies continued to attack the blaze, which had reached nearly 22 acres with 0% containment. At one point, the fire was marked at about 84 acres before the number was revised, authorities said.
Scanner reports said two structures were possibly damaged, with more threatened. National Trails Highway was closed in both directions.
Rail lines through the area were briefly closed Sunday night but have since reopened.
Smoke from the blaze was seen drifting east into Apple Valley. One resident there with breathing issues told the Daily Press the smoke prompted him to leave the area.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Vegetation fire in Oro Grande spreads, structures damaged
