Fast-moving Hesperia wildfire prompts evacuations

Published

6 months ago

June 16, 2024

Fast-moving Hesperia wildfire prompts evacuations

A fast-growing wildfire in Hesperia has prompted evacuations Saturday night.

The Hesperia Fire was first reported around 6 p.m. in the 18000 block of North Highway 173, according to CAL FIRE San Bernardino.

By 8 p.m, it grew to over 300 acres. By 9 p.m., it was over 500 acres and by 10:30 p.m., it was over 700 acres.

An evacuation warning is in place for the Lake Arrowhead Estates community near Highway 173 and Arrowhead Lake Road. Road closures in the area have also been issued by California Highway Patrol.

Firefighters and air crews have responded to the scene to battle the blaze. As of 10 p.m., the fire was at zero percent containment.

The cause of the vegetation fire remains under investigation. Officials said the expansion remains wind-driven and continues burning north.

“Crews from the ground and air continue to work on permittee control, containment lines and structure protection,” said the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

A poor air quality warning due to smoke from the fire was issued by the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District on Saturday night.

This advisory covers San Bernardino County and will remain in effect through Sunday, June 16.

“This advisory may be extended or amended further, consistent with smoke and fire behavior, firefighting efforts, NWS and air quality forecasts,” officials said.

Residents living in the area were urged to take precautions. Those most susceptible to issues from unhealthy air include children, the elderly and people with heart and respiratory illnesses.

In areas impacted by smoke or poor air, residents should:

Consider avoiding any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion
Keep windows and doors closed
Run your air conditioner if you have one – recirculation function is ideal
Avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing outdoor pollutants inside.
People with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors

More information from CAL FIRE can be found here.

On Saturday night, firefighters continued to battle the Post Fire that ignited near the 5 Freeway in Gorman. That fire has grown to over 4,400 acres.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Police searching for man who severely injured store owner

Published

4 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Police searching for man who severely injured store owner

Police in Anaheim are asking for the public’s help to find the person who attacked a local business owner and left them with major injuries.

The attack happened on Dec. 9 around 10 p.m. at a store near the intersection of Anaheim Boulevard and South Street, police said.

According to the Anaheim Police Department, a man attacked the business owner inside the store. The unidentified victim suffered serious injuries that police officials described as “severe.”

Anaheim police are searching for the person who assaulted a business owner, leaving him severely injured on Dec. 9, 2024. (Anaheim Police Department)
Anaheim police are searching for the person who assaulted a business owner, leaving him severely injured on Dec. 9, 2024. (Anaheim Police Department)

On Friday, the Police Department released two images of the suspect with a plea to the public for help locating him.

“Any information you have could help us bring justice in the case,” the Police Department wrote in a post to Instagram. “Your assistance is appreciated.”

Anyone who might recognize the man is urged to contact the Anaheim Police Department at 714- 765-1900. Anonymous tips can be made online or by calling Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227.

'Bluey' coming to Disney parks and cruise line

Published

12 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

'Bluey' coming to Disney parks and cruise line

Bluey, a blue heeler dog from the children’s show of the same name, will be making her theme park debut at Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year. Walt Disney Co. also announced that the character will join the Disney Cruise Line as well.

“Beginning in January 2025, onboard Disney Cruise Line voyages originating from Australia and New Zealand, families can interact with Bluey and her sister, Bingo, like never before. From special meet-and-greets to an interactive and clue-filled game that ends in a dance party featuring Bluey’s signature moves, families in the region can embark on a magical holiday with their favorite blue heeler,” the company said in a news release.

The company will share more details about how guests can meet Bluey and her family at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in the coming months.

The announcement comes amid an expanded partnership between Disney and BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC that distributes the popular Australian animated series, and Ludo Studio, which produced the program.

It’s not completely unusual for Disney to highlight other intellectual property in its theme parks. For example, the Star Wars and Muppets attractions were in place at Disneyland and Walt Disney World before Disney bought LucasFilm and Jim Henson Productions, respectively.

The companies also announced that a Bluey movie will be released theatrically in 2027, with Disney leading distribution.

The show follows a family of cartoon dogs who live in Brisbane, Australia.

Los Angeles, Ca

Pursuit suspect arrested after intentionally ramming deputies' vehicles: authorities

Published

20 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Press Room

Pursuit suspect arrested after intentionally ramming deputies' vehicles: authorities

A man was arrested after authorities said he intentionally crashed his car into deputies following a pursuit in San Bernardino County.

Stephen Bloomer, 52, of Twentynine Palms was arrested for the destructive incident, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

On Dec. 16, deputies spotted the suspect’s Corvette speeding on Twentynine Palms Highway, near the intersection of Torres Avenue in Joshua Tree shortly before 1 p.m.

Authorities tried pulling Bloomer over but he refused, leading patrol units on a chase.

As he continued driving erratically and speeding down the road, deputies said they canceled the pursuit for the safety of other drivers.

Later that day, a California Highway Patrol officer spotted Bloomer and his Corvette at a Circle K in Morongo Valley. The CHP officer attempted to detain the man but at that moment, he reversed his Corvette and crashed into the CHP vehicle.

A second deputy who arrived at the scene parked their patrol car near the Circle K lot. The vehicle was occupied by a third deputy inside.

At that moment, the suspect stepped on the gas pedal to accelerate and rammed directly into the occupied patrol car, officials said. The deputy inside suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. He was later released.

Bloomer was apprehended at the scene and arrested for attempted murder of a peace officer and felony assault on a peace officer.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Deputy Richard Maldonado or Detective Tyler A. Bengard of the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175.

Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.