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Wildfire torches homes in S. California
Hundreds evacuated
September 14, 1997
Web posted at: 8:32 a.m. EDT (1232 GMT)RUNNING SPRINGS, California (CNN) -- Firefighters were working to control a ferocious wildfire Sunday that swept across 1,000 acres, engulfed 13 buildings and forced the evacuation of hundreds of homes in the San Bernardino National Forest.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Fueled by high winds, the fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. Saturday at a shooting range and quickly spread. A bullet fired at the range sparked the blaze, officials said.
Forest Service spokesman describes cause of fire
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Wildfire in California
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Authorities ordered more than 500 residents in Running Springs, about 50 miles (80 km) east of Los Angeles, to evacuate and closed a main route, Highway 330, into the Lake Arrowhead-Big Bear Lake resort areas
Jodi Rios, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service, said 13 structures, including many homes, were consumed by the blaze.
Officials planned an all-out assault on the blaze Sunday, using an ensemble of air tankers, helicopters, ground personnel and bulldozers. There was no estimated containment time.
"As soon as dawn breaks and the sun is out again, we'll have helicopters and air tankers back in the air," Rios said. Thick smoke hampered the air assaults Saturday.
Running Springs resident Patty Wagenstein was tearful after leaving her home behind.
"We had an hour to get what we needed. We got clothes. We got the animals and some photo albums. Nobody can tell us if our house is still there," she said.
Related sites:
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- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
- San Bernadino County, California
- Wildland Fire Operations Web Site - U.S. Forest Service
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