On September 7th, 2024, at 4:14 PM, the Line Fire’s devastating reach became an imminent threat to the mountain communities near Hwy 330 in Running Springs. Fueled by extreme heat, unstable atmospheric conditions, and turbulent winds, the fire has escalated to an unprecedented level. The flames, now over 100 feet high, are creating their own weather system, including pyrocumulonimbus clouds, resulting in powerful inflow and outflow winds, thunder, lightning, rain, and hail.

This extreme fire behavior has drawn comparisons to the notorious 2003 “Old Fire” as it advances rapidly toward Running Springs, Arrowbear, Green Valley Lake, and Cedar Glen. Smoke columns collapse unpredictably, pushing the fire in all directions, leaving thousands of residents scrambling to evacuate. Gridlocked traffic plagues mountain roads, causing further delays and frustration.

A temporary relief came when the fire-generated weather produced a significant rainfall that lasted an hour, slowing the fire’s progress. However, the damage has already been significant, with the entire Hwy 330 corridor reduced to ash. Once lush, green vegetation now lies in ruin, replaced by rockslides, downed power lines, and barren landscapes.

Emergency services continue their efforts to contain the blaze, but the situation remains dire as communities brace for further devastation. Evacuations are underway, and the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.