Wind-driven brush fire, one-third contained, grows to 185 acres in Apple Valley
Firefighters work to save a home Tuesday from the River Bottom fire near Hesperia and Apple Valley.
A wind-driven brush fire that spread quickly Tuesday in Apple Valley grew to 185 acres overnight, officials said.
The River Bottom fire started off as a permitted burn in the Mojave Narrows Park, but high winds propelled it, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Fire officials said heavy fire and smoke were expected to continue in the Mojave River bed Wednesday near Riverside Drive and Seneca Road. The fire was no longer a threat to homes and structures in the area
By Wednesday afternoon, the fire was only 30% contained, fire officials said. The blaze was expected to be fully contained by late Wednesday, they said.
Firefighters are expecting erratic winds with gusts reaching up to 40 miles per hour.
The permitted burn by the county parks department was intended to clear out cattails, officials said.
San Bernardino County fire Chief Mark Hartwig said a permit had been issued for the controlled burn.
One vehicle and one shed were destroyed in the fire, officials said.
About 200 firefighters, two bulldozers and four aircraft were used to fight the blaze, officials said.
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