Fires Rack Redlands as Firefighters Battle the Flames

Redlands firefighters battled two fires recently, one which closed a lane on the 210 freeway, and another that detonated ammunition stored in a home's attic. A vegetation fire near the I-210 on Monday evening, June 8, forced responding California Highway Patrol officers to close one of the eastbound lanes while firefighters battled the blaze, which began in a drainage area east of the freeway between San Bernardino Avenue and the Santa Ana River shortly after 7:30 p.m. that evening, according to a report issued by the City of Redlands. Firefighters from Redlands, Highland and Cal Fire San Bernardino were able to contain the blaze in about 30 minutes, and crews remained on scene to extinguish hot spots for a remaining four hours. Later that evening, Redlands firefighters responded to a residential structure fire on the 1500 block of Myra Street shortly before 10 p.m., where a residential fire set off ammunition stored in the attic before responders were able to control the blaze, a city report states. Redlands fire officials were joined by firefighters from Loma Linda, Highland, Mentone and San Bernardino to overcome the flames, with several units committed to the evening's earlier vegetation fire. When units arrived they found a fire burning in the attic above the garage of the 4,300-square-foot home, according to reports. Ammunition had been stored in the attic and was detonating as a result of the flames, which also spread to the attic space above the second floor living area and causing damage to the second floor. Redlands police evacuated residents while firefighters were able to control the fire within 30 minutes, according to reports. Responders remained on scene for an additional two hours to assist the residents with salvaging personal property. Damage was reported at about $100,000 to property and contents. There were no reports of injuries from either fire. A third fire broke out and briefly threatened homes near the 1400 block of Kincaid Street in South Redlands on Thursday afternoon, June 11. It was reported at about 3:25 p.m. that day, near Carob and Kincaid streets, off Alessandro Street, according to a release issued by the city. The fire burned an area of dry vegetation, which backed up to several homes. About four homes were evacuated while responders battled the blaze, the release states. Redlands firefighters were joined by crews from Mentone, Loma Linda, Colton and Cal Fire, while Redlands police and Citizen Volunteer Patrol assisted with evacuations and road closures. A release states about three acres burned before the fire was contained around 4 p.m. No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported in this incident. The causes of all three fires are under investigation, and anyone with information on one or more of the incidents may contact the Redlands Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit at 909-798-7600.