Late Tuesday night, a devastating fire destroyed two homes in Crestline, California, leaving one house burned completely to the ground. The fire erupted around 9:30 PM, prompting a swift response from firefighters as the flames rapidly spread to nearby vegetation and trees. First responders were alerted to the situation after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a house engulfed in flames, with a neighboring home also catching fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found one home already fully ablaze, while the adjacent property had started to burn extensively. As they worked to contain the flames, crews encountered equipment malfunctions when several hose lines failed. Within minutes, the fire had fully overtaken the second home. Complicating the situation further, downed power lines and sparking explosions from propane and gas tanks added to the dangerous environment.
It took nearly two hours for firefighters to gain control of the blaze. The flames spread through the surrounding vegetation, threatening other properties and igniting massive trees in the area. One female resident was treated on-site for smoke inhalation, but there has been no update on her condition.
Efforts to contain the fire were joined by Southern California Gas, which continues to work with firefighters to safely shut off a main gas line that is still flowing into one of the affected homes.
Fire marshals and the county sheriff’s department have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Reports of suspicious activity at one of the homes have raised questions about the possibility of arson, though officials have yet to confirm whether the fire was intentionally set.
Despite the extensive damage, firefighters expressed relief that the fire did not occur later in the night, as powerful Santa Ana winds were forecasted to hit the San Bernardino mountains. The arrival of strong winds could have escalated the spread and intensity of the fire, potentially threatening more homes and lives.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident. No further details are available at this time.