iStock/Thinkstock(LOS ANGELES) — All evacuation orders were lifted Sunday after the Blue Cut wildfire forced tens of thousands of people from their homes.
#BluecutFire more progress as containment reaches 73%, acreage stays at 37,020
— San Bernardino NF (@SanBernardinoNF) August 21, 2016
#BlueCutFire [update] N of San Bernardino (San Bernardino Co) now 37,020 acres & 73% cont. https://t.co/I8T8YeiGpz pic.twitter.com/ohkCAQl0OD
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) August 21, 2016
Firefighters have made huge gains against the Blue Cut blaze, but some orders remain in place. “Things are extremely positive,” said Brad Pitassi, a spokesman for the multi-agency fire command, adding that officials expects more residents to return home Sunday.
At the height of the fire, some 82,000 people were under evacuation orders.
The 58-square-mile wildfire has so far 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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