In the early hours of October 26, 2024, at approximately 12:12 AM, emergency responders from the San Bernardino County Fire, United States Forest Service (USFS), and CalFire were dispatched following multiple reports of a vegetation fire in the Lytle Creek area. The fires were reported near the intersection of S Lytle Creek Road and Middle Fork Road, in the rugged terrains of Lytle Creek, California.
Upon arrival, crews discovered a 20-by-20-foot fire patch, potentially ignited by a road flare. The initial blaze was quickly contained, but shortly afterward, two additional fires ignited nearby, spreading rapidly on both sides of the roadway. One of these fires, known as the Scott Fire, posed a significant challenge to firefighters as it climbed the hillside, ultimately consuming an estimated 4-5 acres of vegetation.
These fires appeared within a brief 30-minute window, adding to concerns given the recent Ranger Fire that burned nearby on October 10. The clustering and timing of these fires have prompted an investigation into the causes, as officials work to determine if there is a connection or common cause. Firefighting efforts were swift and coordinated, mitigating further spread and protecting surrounding areas from additional damage.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by fire crews in the area, where dry conditions and the rugged terrain of Lytle Creek can quickly escalate small flames into larger, uncontrolled blazes. Authorities urge the public to remain cautious and report any unusual activity as investigations continue into the origins of the recent fires.