Chino Hills Grand Fire: Immediate evacuation orders as bush fire explodes to 30 acres

The Grand Fire, a fast-moving bush fire in Chino Hills has triggered immediate evacuation on Thursday morning. Firefighters are currently battling the 30-acre blaze in the Tonner Canyon area.

According to San Bernardino County Fire Department crews, the blaze-dubbed the conflagration- started just before 7:15 p.m. at Grand Avenue and Pleasant Hill Drive near Grand Avenue Park. 

Due to the severity of the situation, Chino Valley Fire District officials issued evacuation at approximately 8:15 p.m. for the following areas:

• Mill Street Drive
• Falling Star Lane
• Valley View Lane
• Sweet Grass Lane
• Pleasant Hill Drive
• Ashbury Drive
• Auburn Court
• Morning Terrace Drive
• Golden Crest Drive
• Cottage Lane
• Rose Mist Lane
• Morning Dew Lane

An evacuation center is open for residents at the Chino Hills Community Center (14250 Peyton Drive). Authorities have closed Chino Hills Parkway at the intersections of Falling Star and Country Walk.  

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and no structures have been damaged so far. While large flames were initially visible, firefighters appeared to start gaining the upper hand by approximately 9:00 p.m. 

A multi-agency effort is underway- including crews from Chino Valley, Cal Fire, and Los Angeles County-utilizing both ground teams and water-dropping aircraft to quell the flames. 

The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation; aerial footage captured a burning car on Grand Avenue, though officials have not confirmed if this vehicle was the cause of the fire.

The National Weather Service issued warnings that moderate locally strong winds and low humidity will elevate the risk of fire in inland areas of L.A. County this week.