A massive brush fire continued burning Friday morning in high-elevation areas in northern San Bernardino County, as firefighters achieved 50% containment and evacuation orders remained lifted, state fire officials said.
The 4,293-acre Ranch Fire started around 2:33 p.m. Tuesday south of Apple Valley near Bowen Ranch Road and Coxey Truck Trail, according to Cal Fire. Crews achieved 10% containment as of Wednesday morning as they contended with steep, rugged terrain.
Officials advised residents near the fire area to be prepared for possible evacuations.
“Keep phones charged and emergency kits ready. Avoid the area and do not fly drones, as they interfere with firefighting aircraft,” according to Cal Fire.
Evacuation orders were lifted for Milpas Drive to High Road, south of Highway 18 and including the Fizzben Heights community.
The county Office of Emergency Services has a website dedicated to the Ranch Fire with information and resources.
Evacuation shelters were established at Sitting Bull Academy, 19445 Sitting Bull Road in Apple Valley for people and for animals, the fairgrounds at 14800 Seventh St. in Victorville. Both shelters are now closed, according to the county.
“Firefighters made solid progress (Wednesday) despite gusty southwest winds,” according to a Cal Fire statement Wednesday night. “Ground crews, supported by helicopters, worked to mop up hot spots and strengthen containment lines, bringing the fire to 25% containment.”
A Cal Fire Damage Inspection Team is on-scene assessing properties, officials said.
“Crews will continue working overnight, patrolling for flare-ups and identifying areas needing suppression repair,” according to Cal Fire.
Officials were monitoring weather conditions and its possible impacts on firefighting.
“Southwest winds up to 30 mph this evening will decrease overnight. Humidity will remain low, recovering only to around 32%,” Cal Fire reported. “Thursday will bring continued dry and breezy conditions with temps in the mid-80s and RH as low as 18%. Winds may gust up to 33 mph in the afternoon, posing ongoing fire behavior concerns.”
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Approximately 764 structures were in the evacuation zone, impacting an estimated 970 people, according to a county sheriff’s department spokeswoman.
Two people and a dog stayed overnight in the shelter authorities established at Sitting Bull Academy in Apple Valley, said a spokeswoman from the county Office of Emergency Services. Three horses were housed at the Victorville Fairgrounds after evacuating, with two still there as of Thursday evening.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, a Cal Fire spokeswoman said. Crews totaling 600 firefighters and seven water-dropping helicopters were involved in the firefight Thursday.
Updated June 13, 2025, 8:17 a.m.
