Blue Cut Fire Declared 100 Percent Contained

PHELAN (CBSLA.com) — The destructive Blue Cut Fire, which destroyed more than 100 homes and some 37,000 acres, is 100 percent contained, fire authorities said Tuesday.

The blaze erupted at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 16 in the Cajon Pass, near Devore and quickly spread, forcing the evacuation of as many as 82,000 people and shutting down both sides of Interstate 15 at the fire's height.

The 58-square-mile fire destroyed 105 homes and 216 outbuildings, along with the historic Summit Inn diner. The blaze additionally damaged three other homes and five other structures.

All evacuation orders were lifted Sunday, but only residents were allowed beyond the road closures, which include Lone Pine Canyon Road at Swarthout Canyon Road to Highway 138; US Forest Road 3N31 at Lone Pine Canyon Road and the dirt portion of Lytle Creek Road from the gun range to the forest.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, 1,200 firefighters remain on the scene to help mop up, secure and reinforce containment lines. Utility workers are also on the scene, replacing damaged and destroyed infrastructure.

Rail lines have resumed active operations through the area.