South California Wildfire: Blue Cut Fire Becomes Uncontrollable, State of Emergency Declared

What has started as a bush fire in San Bernardino Country has now become a complete chaos.

The Blue Cut fire started at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Los Angeles Times reported that in a matter of hour, the fire jumped to 1,500 acres.

Dry brush and wind gusts quickly spread the flames. Latest reports say the fire has now tore through 18,000 acres near the 15 Freeway in Cajon Pass. The exact tally of the damaged properties has not been made yet but estimates say it includes several homes, businesses, church and historic diners.

According to ABC 7, Gov. Jerry Brown has already declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County. As such, more firefighting efforts can be carried out and benefits to affected residents, such as easy granting of waiver of fees for destroyed documents.

Approximately 34,500 homes and 82,640 people have been affected by the evacuation warnings. According to the state incident information system, in total, there are already 700 personnel on scene, 102 engines, 15 crews, eight air tankers, two Very Large Air Tankers (VLATS) and eight helicopters including night flying helicopters.

The Guardian notes that some firefighters have been injured doing their rescue operations. Six firefighters were trapped in homes in Swarthout Canyon, two of whom suffered injuries.

Disturbing images of homes being burnt to the ground has surfaced on social media.

The Blue Cut Fire is not the only monstrous disaster spreading terror in California. There is also the Clayton fire, which has taken over 4,000 acres and 175 structures burned near Clear Lake and the Chimney fire which has burnt 6,900 acres and 40 structures in San Luis Obispo County. Both fires have been partly contained.

The raging fires spread across California is part of the annual fire season brought by extreme hot weather combined with dry bushes in the forest that has become worse over the years because of climate change.