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100-Acre Fire Burns In San Bernardino Near Sterling Avenue

SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com)  —  A relatively quick-moving 100-acre wildfire was reported near Sterling Avenue in San Bernardino Thursday evening.

The fire was first reported after 6:30 p.m. at the top of Sterling Avenue, near Del Rosa.

Officials have since dubbed the blaze the Sterling Fire.

As of about 10 p.m., KCAL9's Crystal Cruz reporting from the scene said the fire was about 20 percent contained.

Officials said some structures were threatened and 100 acres went up within minutes.

One resident called KCAL9 to say she was in an apartment building and thought flames were getting a little too close for comfort.

Authorities told Cruz the fire had potential to grow.

"Based on the location you know we could be talking several thousand acres. It is cause for concern," said John Miller with the US Forest Service.

Firefighters suspended air operations and water drops after a drone was spotted in the area.

"The helicopters were able to continue to operate but we had to make sure the fire area was safe before we bought the fixed wing in," Miller said.

Officials said at least nine engines were battling the blaze.

No evacuations have been ordered.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Neighbors told Cruz that kids often hang out in the foothills and they theorized that fireworks might have started the blaze.

"I like little bottle rockets and everything but it's been going on all week long, just really a lot today," said Del Rosa resident Collene Leiffer.

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