Fontana, CA - On 7/25/2020 San Bernardino County Fire units were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire in the Jurupa Hills near Sierra Ave. and Jurupa. Due to the proximity of the San Bernardino/Riverside County line, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire sent a full response as well, including aircraft.

Units from both agencies arrived on-scene and found two spots burning in light to medium fuels at a rapid rate of spread. Due to the fire burning in both jurisdictions, Incident Commanders entered “Unified Command.” The Unified Commanders worked hand in hand to determine tactics, strategy and order adequate resources to suppress the quickly moving fire.

The fire quickly spread up the hillside burning towards the City of Fontana. Crews anchored in, working on perimeter control while crews scouted ahead of the fire to forecast structure threat. While scouting, crews found seven homes that would be impacted. #SBCoFD ordered 10 Engines for structure defense. Eventually more that 15 Engines were ordered for structure defense along Jurupa and Alder Avenues, in South Fontana. Ground and air crews coordinated their attack to slow the spread and provide a buffer zone around structures. By nightfall the fire had spread to more that 250 acres. Crews remained on-scene throughout the evening working on perimeter control, containment lines and mop-up.

#SBCoFD and CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire crews remained on-scene throughout Sunday, working towards 100% containment. By nightfall, mop-up was complete and the fire was 97% continued. The fire burned a total of 277 acres, with 265 acres being in the City of Fontana. Crews were successful in keeping the fire from damaging or destroying homes. The fire is under investigation by fire investigators.

San Bernardino County Fire responded with 15 Engines, 5 Chief Officers, 2 Water Tenders, a Dozer, a Hand Crew and a Fire Investigator. CAL FIRE / Riverside County Fire responded with 30 Engines, 5 Air Tankers, 2 Helicopters, 2 Air Attacks, 6 Hand Crews, 1 Water Tender and 10 Overhead personnel. Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Colton, Redlands and Rialto all provided Mutual Aid. In total, more than 50 Engines and 250 firefighters worked the Karen Fire. Thanks to our cooperators for their assistance and hard work.

Remember to maintain a defensible space for your home and property. Keep your property lean and green to help protect your family and home. Defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home. For further see readyforwildfire.org