San Bernardino County, CA — On June 28, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., a ferocious brush fire, named the Lake Fire, erupted near Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County, California, igniting a tense battle against nature’s fury. Fueled by bone-dry vegetation and whipped by strong winds, the blaze exploded to 478 acres by 8:48 p.m., with Cal Fire reporting zero percent containment. The fire’s rapid spread has transformed the serene landscape near Crestline and Hesperia into a scene of urgency and chaos.
The Lake Fire, burning through heavy brush at an alarming rate, triggered immediate evacuation orders for communities south of Highway 138, spanning from Highway 173 to Summit Valley Road. Authorities swiftly closed Highway 138 between Old Mill Road and Interstate 15, as well as Highway 173 at its junction with Highway 138, snarling traffic and disrupting travel in the region. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as 75 to 100 campers fled the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, some recounting encounters with flames towering up to 100 feet high.
A unified command of Cal Fire, the San Bernardino County Fire Department, and San Bernardino National Forest crews is working tirelessly to combat the blaze. Firefighters are contending with challenging conditions, including rugged terrain and unpredictable winds, as they strive to protect lives and property. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities focusing their efforts around the Silverwood Lake campground, where a section has been cordoned off for detailed examination.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through Cal Fire and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for real-time updates on evacuations, road closures, and safety advisories. As the Lake Fire continues to challenge firefighting efforts, the community remains on edge, hoping for containment and relief from the relentless blaze.
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