Evacuation Orders Lifted as Firefighters Transition to 'Mop-Up Phase' in Souther

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iStock/Thinkstock(LOS ANGELES) — All evacuation orders were lifted Sunday after the Blue Cut wildfire forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.

At the height of the fire, some 82,000 people were under evacuation orders.

The 58-square-mile wildfire has left behind a devastating trail: At least 105 residences and 213 other buildings have been destroyed in the fire, which began last Tuesday morning. San Bernardino County Fire Department marshal Mike Horton said those figures may increase as damage assessment teams continue to tour the area.

Horton — who operates from a mobile command center just south of the blaze — leads a team of 15 investigators, technicians, hazardous materials experts and others responsible for determining the extent and nature of the damage.

Before residents return home, they may view damage assessment reports available online, via phone recordings and on postings at evacuation centers. Maps are color-coded with red areas signifying “complete damage,” orange describing damage between 40 and 75 percent, yellow showing damage of less than 40 percent and green meaning no damage.

“Green, you’re in good shape,” Horton said. “Any other color and you should be concerned.”

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