Update: 8:00 p.m.:
Most lanes are back open on the I-15, however officials are still warning drivers to use caution in the area.
"CalTrans and the California Highway Patrol expect to open two lanes both north and south bound Interstate 15 soon," U.S. Forest Service Spokesman John Miller said at 5 p.m. "Motorists are urged to delay travel through the Cajon Pass if possible as traffic is expected to be heavy into the evening hours."
As of the last update from firefighters, which was sent out at 5 p.m., the fire had burned an estimated 350 acres, and was still just 5 percent contained.
However, several agencies-- including the US Forest Service, CalFire, and San Bernardino County Fire-- expect to have full containment by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, Miller said.
Update: 2:00 p.m.:
The fire is now estimated at 350+ acres, according to the the San Bernardino National Forest fire information service.
"The US Forest Service is in unified command with Cal Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, and the San Bernardino Sheriff Department," the service says.
It is 5 percent contained, they say.
Update: 1:15 p.m.:
Evacuations are taking place in the Mathew's Ranch area, according to the San Bernardino National Forest information service.
The size remains estimated at 200 acres.
Current weather conditions are listed as 85 degrees, with winds from the south blowing at 10-20 mph.
Road closures are:
- Northbound 15 closed at 215 interchange
- Southbound 15 is now closed at Hwy 138
- Northbound 215 closed at Palm/Kendall Exit
- Cajon Blvd. (Old Route 66) closed between Kenwood and Cleghorn
The cause is unknown at this time.
Update: 12:40 p.m.:
The fire has now quadrupled in size from original reports, according to updated fire information.
It's now 200 acres, according to the San Bernardino National Forest fire information line.
12 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 hand crews and "numerous" aircraft-- with more on order-- are assigned to the incident.
Road closures now include:
- Northbound 15 closed at 215 interchange
- Southbound 15 closed at Cleghorn exit
- Northbound 215 closed at Palm/Kendall Exit
- Cajon Blvd. (Old Route 66) closed between Kenwood and Cleghorn
Original story posted below at 12:31 p.m.:
A CHP dispatcher confirms to Patch that Interstate 15 has been closed in the Cajon Pass due to a fire burning northwest of Redlands and Loma Linda.
According to the dispatcher, northbound traffic is not being allowed to travel beyond I-215, while southbound traffic is being stopped at Cleghorn. A SigAlert has been issued.
The fire was first reported at 10:53 a.m., quickly spreading to 20 acres within 25 minutes, CHP reports indicate.
The fire, dubbed the Devore incident, has now burned 50 acres, as of 11:45 a.m., according to the San Bernardino National Forest fire information line.
"The Devore fire is burning in Cajon Pass, near the Kenwood exit off of Interstate 15," a recording on the information line says.
"Current resources include 11 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 hand crews, aircraft with more [resources] on order," the information line says.
Smoke from the fire is visible from several miles away. If you see smoke, send your pictures into Patch at renee.schiavone@patch.com, or upload them here.
